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Carbon Footprint

 
"Carbon footprint" is a term that has grown in popularity in recent years, referring to a business or individual's impact, caused by the burning of fossil fuels, on the environment. Burning fossil fuels, like coal and petroleum, contributes to pollution and subsequent climate change. The burning of coal and petroleum (among other substances) is a ubiquitous practice in the U.S. and worldwide because it is an easy way to produce power — power to heat homes, illuminate lights, run vehicles, heat water, cook food and many other functions humans rely on daily. One's "carbon footprint" is determined by how much of this "power" he or she uses, or "contributes" to the atmosphere.
 
Many Web sites now have "carbon calculators" that help a person determine his or her approximate footprint. (Photo: Flickr)

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