The carbon footprint is an important indicator of the impact of our daily actions on climate change. It measures the CO2 emissions that we cause through our energy supply, nutrition, mobility and other activities. As the human impact on the climate increases, it is more important than ever to understand and reduce our carbon footprint. In this article we will look at what a carbon footprint is, how to calculate it and how to reduce it.
During production and disposal, plastic bags produce a significant CO2 footprint of 6kg CO2 for 1 kg of plastic. In addition, if they are not disposed of properly, they produce microplastics, which not only reach marine life, but also reach us. That is why petroleum-free bags and mailing bags are a relevant step to counteract this development.
Our #IAMPLASTICFREE shopping bags, shipping bags and bin liners are made from bio-based and fully biodegradable materials. As a result, they do not harm animals and do not need to be burned, but can simply be mixed into the home compost. With our free test package you can easily convince yourself that bags and shipping bags do not have to be made of plastic.
So what actually is a carbon footprint?
Very simple: it is the amount of emissions caused by our daily activities. This is about everything from our energy supply to our diet to our travel habits. Various gases with different global warming potentials are produced here. In many calculations, these are converted to the potential of CO2. Methane, which is mainly emitted by cows, is up to 84 times more harmful than CO2. Nitrogen oxides, which are produced when coal, oil and gas are burned, are even up to 264 times more harmful [ IPCC ].
Does only CO2 count?
No , other greenhouse gases are often included in the footprint. Greenhouse gases have different potentials for storing heat and warming the atmosphere. CO2 is the best known and one of the most common greenhouse gases. Other gases, such as methane, have a higher global warming potential than CO2, but they are present in the atmosphere in lower concentrations.
An example of a high-potential greenhouse gas is chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were formerly used in refrigerators and other appliances and are now banned. Another example is nitrous oxide (N2O), which is released by human activities such as the use of nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture and the operation of power plants. Both gases have a higher global warming potential than CO2 and contribute to global warming.
But why should we care?
Because our CO2 emissions have a direct impact on climate change. The greenhouse gases that we emit from our activities contribute to warming the earth. The higher our carbon footprint, the more we contribute to global warming.
Is there a way to calculate our carbon footprint?
Yes , there are various tools and calculators that you can use to calculate your personal carbon footprint. You simply enter information about your energy supply, your travel behavior and your diet and you will receive an estimate of your carbon footprint. This way you can see which areas you can improve to reduce your footprint.
How to reduce the carbon footprint?
There are a lot of small changes you can make to reduce your carbon footprint. Here are a few tips:
- Use energy-saving devices and strive to reduce your overall energy consumption.
- Eat less meat and more plant-based foods . The production of meat generates many greenhouse gases.
- Try using public transportation , cycling , or walking instead of driving.
- Use reusable bags , bottles and containers to avoid littering.
By following these simple tips, you can reduce your carbon footprint a little and help fight climate change. Of course, there are countless more steps to take, but every small step counts!
Together it is important that we all take responsibility and strive to reduce our carbon footprint. Each of us can make a contribution by reducing our energy consumption, eating less meat and using public transport. It can also be helpful to support alternative energy sources, such as renewable energies such as solar and wind power.
However, it is also important to recognize that some emissions that contribute to our carbon footprint come from areas that we cannot directly influence, such as the production of goods that we buy. Here it is important that companies and governments take responsibility and take action to reduce carbon emissions in their areas.
Ultimately, it's about living a sustainable lifestyle and keeping our carbon footprint as low as possible. We must all work together to create a better future for ourselves and the environment. It's time to act, and each of us can make a difference.
