Carbon Footprint:
Definition: The total set of greenhouse gas emissions caused by an organization, event, product or person. . . . E.g. A product.
Greenhouse Gas: A product may emit greenhouse gasses such as CO2 through: The extraction of raw materials The process of manufacture Transportation of raw materials or product Energy used during the product life End of life disposal of the product
Example 1: 66lbs (30kg) Carbon Carbon emission is 48 times the weight of the jacket! Transportation of materials = 1% Polyester (oil) accounts for 71% Recycled plastic could be used to reduce impact.
Example 2: 31lbs (14kg) Carbon Average family produces 480lbs of carbon per year by washing clothes. Greatest effect = dryer Use liquid not powder Line dry rather than tumble Wash at lower temperature
Example 3: 121lbs (55kg) Carbon 8.5lbs – Electricity used in production. 112.5lbs manufacture of raw materials. The worst culprit is leather! Cows – methane!
Example 4: MILK – 1 Litre 7.2lbs (3kg) Carbon Packaging choices make up to 1.4lbs difference. Methane from dairy cows (Burping!) is 25 times as damaging to the atmosphere as Carbon Dioxide!
Example 5: AVERAGE CAR 97,000lbs + (44 tons +) Carbon – total 4% Manufacture 86% - Fuel during use 10% - Disposal
Example 6: Beer! 7lbs (3kg) Carbon The largest carbon impact is refrigerating the beer at the sales outlet!
Country Average: Figures given are TONS per person – average. Why do you think this varies so much from country to country? Discuss. . . .
Carbon Footprint video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aE_4VLWUBu8 Calculate your own carbon footprint: http://www.carbonfootprint.com/