Answer

Reducing my Carbon Footprint

            The average carbon footprint for a single individual needs to be reduced to help in dealing with the constantly rising global temperatures. According to my calculations, I have a carbon footprint of approximately 38 ton CO₂/year. Although it is within the same range as other similar households, there are some areas which I can improve on to reduce this figure. These include transportation, housing and shopping.

Figure 1: My Carbon Footprint

            I have decided to sell my current vehicle which uses diesel, and replace it with a hybrid. I think this move will ensure that the total amount of fuel used has been reduced (McBain et al., 2018). Hence, my carbon emission will also be lower. Additionally, I intend to come up with a plan where there are days that I will be riding my bicycle rather than using the vehicle. I will also incorporate public transportation. The plan will ensure that I will only use my vehicle when necessary.

            As for the changes with my housing, I intend to make changes that will ensure that the energy used is mostly solar-based. For example, my water heating system will be replaced by a solar water heater. Where solar cannot be used, I intend to purchase green electricity. Finally, I will plant more trees in my backyard and learn to recycle so that my waste is also reduced (Wakeland, Cholette & Venkat, 2012). This move will help in reducing my carbon footprint.

            Lastly, regarding my shopping, I have decided to go organic. Every purchase I make will be organic so that I also promote businesses that are organic (Wakeland, Cholette & Venkat, 2012). With an organic shopping, the carbon footprint will be reduced drastically, especially since businesses will also feel compelled to make changes that will accommodate their customer preferencesSewdas et al.’s (2017) study employed, there are very little room for generalizing the study’s findings.