In this posting, i would like to introduce a new term to you. It is called Carbon Footprint.. Some of you might have already heard
of this term because it was introduced sometime ago. And we shall see how we can help to reduce our carbon footprint. Pls note that this is not part of your biology SPM syllabus, but believe me, it is worth learning.
According to wikipedia, A carbon footprint is "the total set of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event or product". For simplicity of reporting, it is often expressed in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide, or its equivalent of other GHGs, emitted.
Each one of us contributes to GHGs emission everyday while going about doing our daily activity which cause climate change/global warming. So, what is your carbon footprint? click on this calculator to find out yourself.
After doing the above exercise, i realised that my carbon footprint is above average, i better do something to reduce my carbon footprint.
What should/can we do?
1. Turn it off when not in use (fans, lights, television, DVD player, Hi Fi, computer, playstation, etc. etc. ...) click here to learn more.
2. Fill the kettle with only as much water as you need
3. Do your weekly shopping in a single trip
4. Hang out the washing/clothes to dry rather than tumble drying it in the machine
5. Sign up to a green energy supplier, who will supply electricity from renewable sources (e.g. wind and hydroelectric power) - this will reduce your carbon footprint contribution from electricity to zero
(*unfortunately, we can't do this because Energy Supply in Malaysia is monopoly by only one company called Tenaga Nasional Berhad.... bad luck )
6. Fit energy saving light bulbs - (*i know the bulb is a bit costly, but try to encourage your parents to purchase, i believe you can explain the benefits - it is long-lasting & save energy in the long run!)
7. Replace your old fridge / freezer (if it is over 15 years old), with a new one with energy efficiency rating of "A"
8. Replace your old boiler with a new energy efficient condensing boiler
9. Car pool to school/tuition centres
10. Use public transport - bus or train rather car. (*Unfortunately in Malaysia, this is a big problem! bad public transport, the bus either late or never arrived! or packed like sardine?)
11. For short journeys either walk or cycle (eg: to the school, shop, to your friend's house doing revision/homework/project, to tuition)
12. Use biodiesel fuel (*unfortunately, only for diesel engine vehicle) click here to know more.
13. Don't buy bottled water if your tap water is safe to drink. (*Don't do this if you live in Malaysia!!! always boil your water.)
14. Buy local fruit and vegetables, or even try growing your own
15. Buy foods that are in season locally
16. Don't buy fresh fruit and vegetables which are out of season, they may have been flown in
17. Reduce your consumption of meat (*because farm animals contribute to more GHGs emission)
18. Try to only buy products made close to home (look out and avoid items that are made in the distant lands) - (* i know this is not easy because we Malaysian like to buy imported foods/fruits, or maybe our local products are less attractive)
19. Buy organic produce (*not easy to do this because they are not cheap!)
20. Don't buy over packaged products. (*did you notice that some items/products have many-many-many layers of packaging materials??)
21. Recycle as much as possible.
22. For those who are rich, cut down your visit to Saunas, Health clubs, restaurants, go-karting etc. etc... (these places contribute to more GHGs emission.)
(the above list has been modified from carbon footprint. click here for the full list)
I hope we can try to do some of the activities listed above if not all.
Together we can fight global warming!
For more carbon footprint cartoons, click here.
