What is a carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere by our activities - such as how we travel, what we eat and the energy we use at home.
For example, the food we buy has a carbon footprint attached to it. This is because it requires resources to grow, harvest, package and transport it to the places we shop.
It includes carbon dioxide (CO2 - the gas most commonly emitted by humans) and others, including methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases. These trap the heat in the atmosphere causing global warming. Usually, most of a person's carbon footprint will come from transport, housing and food.
Here are some simple changes we can all make, to reduce our carbon footprint.
Shorter showers
By limiting our time in the shower to 4 minutes or less, we'll use less energy and water (and won't be late for work!)
Less hair washing
Daily washing isn't good for our hair as it can wash away valuable oils. Washing our hair 2-3 times a week will save water and energy; plus we'll be sending less shampoo and conditioner down the drain.
Drop a degree
We don't have to swelter through summer but simply turning the air-con temperature up a degree in summer and down a degree in winter can make a huge difference and we probably won't even notice.
Choose native flowers
Lots of flowers are grown overseas and flown to Australia. An easy switch is to opt for native varieties or a potted plant instead.
Switch washing machines to cold
90% of the power used in our washing machines is heating the water. By switching to a cold wash, we'll save power (and money on our energy bills) and it is better for our clothes.
Have a meat-free day
Red meat can have up to 100 times the environmental impact of plant-based food. If this doesn't work for you, swapping from red meat to chicken can also make a difference.
