Why Your Carbon Footprint Matters
Posted on Jan 20, 2017 8:15am PST
How often do you throw your trash into
recycling bins? Recycling things like aluminum cans, office paper, and glass bottles
is a simple way to reduce your carbon footprint. If you’re wondering
why many people are looking for ways to save energy and reduce waste near
Atlanta, then read on to learn why your carbon footprint matters.
Environmental Changes
As the carbon footprints of people and industries increase, their effect
on the environment does as well. Your carbon footprint corresponds with
the overall amount of greenhouse gas emissions that you are responsible
for due to your everyday activities, meaning that your carbon footprint
relates to the climate change associated with global warming. For example,
the rising temperatures affect precipitation rates and cause vegetation
patterns and locations to change. Also, rising sea levels can displace
people living in coastal towns and cities, and the erosion of shorelines
can destroy shoreline ecosystems.
Wildlife Impact
The warming temperatures have influenced wildlife, as well. Changing weather
patterns can threaten the species that depend on any vegetation unable
to withstand the shifting climate. For example, migratory birds sometimes
reach their destination only to find that their primary food source is
unavailable due to unusual temperatures. At the same time, polar bears
are losing their hunting grounds because of melting arctic ice.
Human Health
Food crops are heavily influenced by the weather, so it’s no surprise
that rising temperatures are affecting the food supply in some areas.
The changing climate has led to drought in some parts of the world, and
the lack of precipitation results in smaller crops and increased levels
of malnutrition. Also, drought can cause a lack of clean drinking water,
and warmer climates allow disease-carrying mosquitoes to survive in areas
that were once too cool for them.
Your Carbon Footprint
Reducing your carbon footprint can be accomplished in many ways. Recycling
materials like glass, aluminum, and plastic can lower the amount of energy
used to process raw materials. Also, you can unplug devices that aren’t
in use, adjust your thermostat settings, and switch to energy-efficient
light bulbs to reduce your carbon footprint.