The Human's Carbon Footprint
![Picture](/uploads/1/9/3/6/19364625/2925543.png?842)
“Carbon footprint” is a term used to describe the levels of carbon emissions given off by a certain person, organization or country. Today, the countries with the largest carbon footprints are the United States and China. In 2011, the United States gave off about 6,702 million metric tons of carbon dioxide alone. The main cause of carbon emissions in the
United States is burning fossil fuels to power cars and provide electricity. Factories also contribute to the United States’ massive carbon footprint. Worldwide, the average per capita carbon emissions total about six tons per year. The United States alone more than doubles the worldwide average, at about 20 tons per capita per year. Carbon emissions account for 77% of greenhouse gases given off in the world every year.
Today, carbon emissions are at a 20-year low. Although we still emit a ridiculous amount of carbon annually, our carbon dioxide emissions have been shrinking for the past few years. Reportedly, the main reasons for the level of carbon emissions dropping so drastically are the efforts of people to reduce their own carbon footprint and big factories and power plants utilizing natural gases for their work instead of fossil
fuels.
Solutions
One of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by reducing how often you use your car. Walking or riding a bike is an environmentally friendly alternative to driving. Another way to reduce your carbon emissions is by turning off electronics when they are not being used. Electronics that are left on are estimated to be responsible for at least 10% of the United States’ carbon emissions yearly. Using energy saving light bulbs can also help to reduce an individual’s carbon footprint by up to 300 pounds a year. Recycling can impact the amount of carbon given off by reducing the need for more fossil fuels. Recycling half of your household waste can lead to saving 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.