My Carbon Footprint Activity
Step 1: Choose a Calculator
I found an online carbon footprint calculator that is made for students. It’s super easy to use!
Step 2: Follow the Instructions
I went through the calculator and answered questions about my daily life. It asked me about things like:
- How I get to school (bus, car, bike, walking)
- What I eat (meat, vegetables, snacks)
- How much energy my family uses at home (lights, heating, cooling)
- How much stuff we buy (clothes, electronics, etc.)
Step 3: Record My Carbon Footprint
After I finished answering all the questions, the calculator told me my carbon footprint is 4 tons of CO2 per year. That means all the activities I do and the energy I use add up to that much carbon dioxide being released into the air!
Step 4: Think of Ways to Reduce My Carbon Footprint
Now I need to think of ways to lower my carbon footprint. Here are some ideas:
- Walk or bike to school more often instead of being driven.
- Eat less meat and more vegetables at dinner.
- Turn off lights when I leave a room or use energy-efficient LED bulbs.
- Use reusable bags and water bottles to cut down on plastic waste.
- Recycle more to save materials and energy.
Step 5: Redo My Carbon Footprint Calculation
After thinking about these changes, I used the calculator again. This time, I wrote down my new habits:
- Walking or biking to school 4 times a week
- Eating meat only 2 times a week
- Turning off lights and using energy-efficient bulbs
- Using reusable items as much as possible
When I finished the calculations, my new carbon footprint is 3 tons of CO2 per year! That means I was able to reduce it by 1 ton just by making a few simple changes. I’m really proud of that!
Summary
I learned that small changes in my daily life can make a big difference in my carbon footprint. I’ll keep working to be more eco-friendly and encourage my friends and family to do the same!