Via Melissa Hunsberger, GSC Coordinator
Carbon emissions, carbon footprint and carbon offsetting; scientists and environmentalists use these terms often, but I imagine that few of us, myself included, have taken the time to investigate each of their meanings or how they play a role in our daily lives.
Starting at the beginning is usually a good place to start. Carbon, I haven’t thought much about this element since studying the periodical chart in middle school, but truth be told, it’s essential to all living things. Carbon dioxide or CO2, as it is better known, is released into the air whenever we burn things like gas, coal, or oil. For example, driving your car, throwing clothes in the dryer, and turning up the AC are all human activities that release CO2, the primary greenhouse gas.
The total amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted into the atmosphere each year by a person, family, building, organization, or company is what’s known as a carbon footprint. So how the heck do you reduce the size of your carbon footprint? While a size six pair of Prada shoes won’t help, here are a few recommendations:
- Turn off lights and electronics when they’re not in use
- Try carpooling or taking public transit
- Purchase energy efficient appliances
Since we’re a society that has become dependent on modern conveniences, it’s difficult to reduce our carbon footprint without a little help from our friends. Thanks to JustGreen carbon offsets, now you can purchase credits from a renewable energy source, like a solar or wind plant. Buying these offsets is like subtracting from your environmental impact.
To reach our green goals, we’ve partnered with JustGreen, who donated carbon credits to offset the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the operations of our headquarters in Miami. These offsets are the equivalent of planting 25,000 trees and taking over 200 passenger cars off the road. Press Release
