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Tuesday, February 9, 2010
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MNN.COM > Eco-Glossary

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)

Recent Stories


Atlanta family downsizes and donates to charity

Mon, Feb 01 2010 at 2:00 PM EST

The Salwen family downsized their Atlanta house and donated half of the proceeds from the sale to hunger relief projects in Africa.


Pristine green lawns create greenhouse gases

Fri, Jan 22 2010 at 8:29 PM EST

New study shows that total emissions would be lower if lawns did not exist.


Homeowners: Sell your own carbon credits

Thu, Jan 14 2010 at 6:31 PM EST

My Emissions Exchange just sold its first carbon credit on behalf of the Wilsons, a family in Harrisburg, Penn.


Aussie winemakers can show off green credentials

Tue, Dec 08 2009 at 2:55 AM EST

Program requires companies to report annually on their carbon footprint and to have practices certified, independently audited.


Art exhibit depicts CO2 emissions

Mon, Nov 30 2009 at 10:36 PM EST

Digital media installation depicts the physical manifestation of carbon emissions through three-story cubes that mirror the average person's carbon footprint.


Hong Kong's carbon footprint 'second highest in world'

Mon, Nov 30 2009 at 5:34 AM EST

A large number of imports raises Hong Kong's carbon footprint per capita to 29 tonnes per year.


N30: A day of green civil disobedience

Fri, Nov 27 2009 at 5:53 PM EST

Eco-activists in 9 cities are taking to the streets today to demand strong action to combat climate change.


What's the most low-impact way to travel to my in-laws' over the holidays?

Mon, Nov 16 2009 at 4:42 AM EST

Advice columnist Matt Hickman offers alternatives to air travel during the holidays.


Carbon cubes and floating spheres

Sun, Nov 15 2009 at 1:44 AM EST

Two art projects attempt to put shape (and color) to that invisible foe -- carbon dioxide.


NBC enlists prime-time programs to deliver green message

Wed, Nov 11 2009 at 10:02 AM EST

NBC Universal's 'green' campaign has largely focused on off-camera issues like making company facilities more eco-friendly, but is now urging green issues be written into scripts.


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