Carbon Footprint

1. Carbon Footprint Mrs. Snyder May 19, 2008

2. Brainstorm • Write the term Carbon Footprint in your 5-subject notebook • Make a list of your ideas about what it means. • Turn to your partner and share your ideas. • After discussing, select the best idea to share.

3. What is a carbon footprint? • It is a “measure of the impact our activities have on the environment” • It measures the volume of greenhouse gases we produce. • It is measured in units of carbon dioxide. • Made of two parts • The direct part or primary part • The indirect part or secondary part

4. Primary part • Direct emissions of CO2 from the burning of fossil fuels • Examples include driving cars, flying in planes, or any other activity that burns gasoline or a fossil fuels • Burning of heating oil or oil to cool your home or school (or office buildings) • Electricity consumed in your home, school or office

5. Secondary part of our footprint • “The secondary footprint is a measure of the indirect CO2 emissions from the whole lifecycle of products we use” ( • The emissions from their manufacture and eventual breakdown. • Make a list of products that your family uses that create CO2 • For example: plastic bottles, plastic bags, plastic wrap for foods, …..

6. Where does the problem begin? • Many chemical compounds found in our atmosphere act as greenhouse gasses. • Greenhouse gases allow sunlight to enter the atmosphere freely • When sunlight strikes the Earth’s surface, some of it is reflected back towards space • (infrared radiation or heat) • Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere • The energy sent from the sun should be should be about the same as the amount radiated back to space

7. Are things in balance? • Normally, the Carbon cycle keeps things in balance • Movement of carbon between the atmosphere and land & oceans is controlled by natural processes • Photosynthesis • There is now an imbalance - more CO2 is being added to the atmosphere each year. • There is now a continuing growth in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere

8. Carbon Cycle

9. Your family’s carbon footprint • Calculate your footprint • Assess the efficiency of your home appliances • The Kill-a-watt meter shows you and your family exactly how much electricity you are using • This website has other ideas • Recycle! • Reduce “Junk Mail” • Greendimes is an organization that helps you reduce your personal junk mail - there is a fee, but it helps the environment to reduce junk mail • Grow your own fruits and veggies • Create a compost pile

10. There is more we can do! • Do your own research. • Read, walk, play outside - the more electricity we use, the greater our individual carbon footprint becomes • Be aware of leaving appliances and electrical devices on • Use less water - intentionally • Make small changes!

11. What can we do about it? • Use less water • Pumping water to a home can make up a third of a home’s carbon footprint • Ideas and products • Don’t run water unnecessarily • Use solar powered chargers - MP3 • Purchase gadgets that conserve water or eliminate waste • Reduce the amount of water you use when you shower • Keep your car’s tire pressure adjusted properly to maximize efficiency • Bicycle or walk to school or work • Turn off computers, lights, devices requiring electicity when they are not in use • Find other ideas!!

12. References • http://www.carbonfootprint.com/ • http://www.greenhq.net/carbon-footprint.html • http://www.terrapass.com/