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Carbon Footprints

This category is for questions about the amount of greenhouse gases produced by various entities.

463 Questions

Do you leave a larger carbon footprint flying or driving from NYC to Atlanta?

Flying from NYC to Atlanta typically leaves a larger carbon footprint compared to driving, due to the higher fuel consumption and emissions per passenger mile associated with air travel. However, driving a vehicle with low fuel efficiency or traveling alone in a car can also contribute significantly to carbon emissions. It's essential to consider factors such as vehicle fuel efficiency, occupancy, and distance traveled when comparing carbon footprints.

What is carbon footprinting?

Carbon footprinting is the measurement of greenhouse gas emissions generated by an individual, organization, product, or activity. It helps quantify the impact on climate change and identifies opportunities to reduce emissions. Calculations typically include emissions from sources like energy use, transportation, and waste.

Does rubbish on the floor create carbon footprint?

Yes, rubbish on the floor can contribute to carbon emissions indirectly. When waste is not properly disposed of, it can lead to increased methane emissions from decomposition in landfills, as well as potential incineration that releases carbon dioxide. Proper waste management can help reduce these emissions and minimize the carbon footprint associated with litter.

How does post consumer regrind compare with PLA?

Post consumer regrind is Plastic (mainly HDPE, LDPE and PET) that has been cleaned and reground into pellet or flake form to make a new plastic object (packaging is a big one). So, in short post consumer regrind or PCR is recycled plastic.

PLA is short or Poly lactic acid and is one of many bioplastics. This one is specific is made from corn starch. Not sure but I think Natureworks is the main supplier.

The difference is PCR is more stable and has many more uses because the material is just recycled plastic. PLA, because it is made from natural substances, breaks down, melts and losses its rigidity a lot faster and is typically used for one time use. PLA is best used for products that will not have to endure long shelf life or hold volatile products.

There are many advancements being made to bioplastics/biopolymers that will improve its rigidity, strength and shelf-life. It's almost hard to keep up! PLA is only one of many biopolymers. They can be made from starches such as potato, pea and corn as well as sugar. But I'm sure there's many more in development!

I am a rigid packaging distributor and work with a lot of Plastic!

What is the effect of building houses near an animal's habitat?

Yes, in many ways:

  • housing developments cut up animal territories and migratory routes
  • houses change the vegetation and fertilizers and pesticides enter the water
  • toxic chemicals used to prevent rotting of lumber in the homes leach into the soil
  • etc.

What is the primary energy source in Pakistan?

The primary energy sources in Pakistan are natural gas, oil, and hydroelectric power. Pakistan also has some coal reserves that contribute to its energy mix. The country is working to increase its renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to diversify its energy supply and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

What is the optimal appliction rate of biochar in tons per acre?

The optimal application rate of biochar varies depending on the soil type, crop type, and climate conditions. As a general guideline, a common application rate of biochar is around 2 to 10 tons per acre for agricultural purposes. It is recommended to conduct soil tests and consult with experts to determine the most suitable application rate for specific conditions.

How much electricity does 1 person use in a year?

The total estimated power consumption of the world is 15.45 trillion kilowatt hours per year. There are also an estimated 6.67 billion people in the world. Which means that the average power use per person per year is 0.2643 kW. For the United States, the numbers are: 3.892 trillion kilowatt hours per year 306 million people 1.453 kW/person/year

Note: All values are based on 2007 estimates.

How does a carbon footprint harm the planet?

Things with large carbon footprints do damage to the earth by releasing large amounts of carbon. Things with small carbon footprints do little damage.

A carbon footprint is just a number, telling you how much carbon is produced in the making, producing, transporting and using of a certain thing. This thing could be a car, or a bottle of beer, or a tin of vegetables, or your house, or even you.

For example, the carbon footprint of a tin of vegetables that was produced on the other side of the world would consider the collection, transport, cooking and canning of the crop. It would then factor in the cost of transportation half way round the world, by ship, air, truck and perhaps your own vehicle. Compare this to vegetables grown in your own garden, or at least in your own local area.

So an item with a large carbon footprint releases more carbon into the atmosphere, adding to the greenhouse gases already there, and contributing to global warming, much more than an item with a small carbon footprint.

What is the carbon footprint of an active volcano?

The exact carbon footprint of an active volcano can vary greatly depending on its size, frequency of eruptions, and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during eruptions. However, volcanoes are considered significant natural sources of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, contributing to the Earth's carbon cycle.

Conclusion for impact of human activities on the environment?

Human activities have had a significant impact on the environment, leading to deforestation, pollution of air, water, and land, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. It is crucial for individuals, businesses, and governments to take action to mitigate these effects through sustainable practices, conservation efforts, and the promotion of renewable energy sources to ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for all living beings on Earth.

What are the top ten countries in the world for carbon sequestration?

The top countries for carbon sequestration include Brazil, Russia, China, Canada, and the United States, due to their vast forested areas. Other countries such as Indonesia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Australia, India, and Argentina also play significant roles in carbon sequestration through their forests and ecosystems. These countries help absorb and store large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to global climate regulation.

Use example to explain the terms ecological footprint and cultural imprint?

Ecological footprint refers to the amount of resources an individual or population consumes compared to what the Earth can sustainably provide. For example, if an individual's carbon emissions from transportation exceed what the environment can absorb, it contributes to a larger ecological footprint. Cultural imprint, on the other hand, refers to the impact of a society's beliefs, values, and traditions on the environment, such as practices that may harm ecosystems or biodiversity due to cultural norms.

What are the patterns of energy consumption?

Energy consumption patterns are based on the economy of a specific country. If you consume large amounts of energy you need to find ways how to conserve and get energy that can be substituted for it.

What is the carbon footprint of a pair of jeans?

The carbon footprint of a pair of jeans varies depending on factors like the production method, transportation, and materials used. On average, producing a pair of jeans emits about 33-34 kilograms of CO2e. Recycled or sustainably produced jeans may have a lower carbon footprint.

What produces more green house gas cars or AC?

Cars generally produce more greenhouse gas emissions compared to air conditioners. The emissions from cars come primarily from burning gasoline or diesel fuel, while air conditioners emit greenhouse gases indirectly through electricity consumption, which often comes from fossil fuel sources.

Can staples in paper be recycled?

Yes, in one of the first steps in the recycling process various things, such as metals, are removed. These metals are then sent to another recycling plant where they can individually be recycled. So it does need to be removed before they pick up your recycling bin.

What is more ecologically friendly a pen or a pencil?

Pencils are generally more ecologically friendly than pens because they produce less waste. Pencils are made from wood, which is a renewable resource, while pens are often made from plastic that can contribute to landfill waste. Additionally, pencils are easier to recycle than pens.

How long does a box of tissues last on average?

The longevity of a box of tissues depends on usage frequency and the number of tissues in the box. On average, a standard box of tissues containing around 80-100 tissues may last a household a couple of weeks to a month. However, households with higher usage or larger families may go through a box more quickly.

Does drive-through have a bigger carbon footprint than take-out from the same fast food restaurant?

Depend if you keep your engine running in the queue for the drive through.

The packaging for the food will be similar, and although you get your drive through in a bag, if you went in and ate they put that paper cover on the tray.

If you have a vege burger, with salad, that will lower the foot print still further, won't taste as good as a 1/4 pounder with cheese though! Otherwise the difference will be negligible.

Learn more about carbon footprinting at the link below.

How did the San bushmen respect the natural environment?

The San bushmen respected the natural environment by relying on sustainable hunting and gathering practices, moving frequently to avoid overexploitation of resources, and adhering to traditional knowledge and rituals that reinforced their spiritual connection to nature. They viewed the land as sacred and maintained a deep respect for the plants and animals they relied on for survival.

How does electricity affect our environment?

Yes, electricity generation has a huge effect on the environment.

Most electricity is generated by power plants using non-renewable fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas. All these fuels release carbon dioxide, a dangerous greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. Most scientists agree that this is causing global warming.

A small part of electricity generation comes from nuclear power plants. There are great difficulties in storing waste from nuclear power plants, and there is danger for spillage and leakage.

Renewable energy sources are far better for the environment:

* Solar Power * Hydro-electric power * Wind Power * Tidal Power * Ocean Wave Power * Geothermal Power * Ocean Thermal Power

How can you use canvas bags instead of plastic ones?

Reusable bags are a great and easy way to help the environment. Plastic bags harm the environment because of the chemicals used to produce them are damaging, and once the made is made, it will not biodegrade. But make sure you're using that eco friendly bag to buy other green products! :) Pure and Gentle Soap is a great company that put the environment first! Check them out at: www.pureandgentlesoap.com

What does an econimist do?

An economist studies and analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They use economic theories and data to provide insights and make predictions about the behavior of individuals, businesses, and governments in various economic systems. Economists often work in academia, government, or industry to inform decision-making and policy development.

Is it irresponsible for a prominent liquid packaging company not to make their products in the United Kingdom locally kerbside recyclable?

Yes. Two of the many environmental concerns these days are the amount of waste going into landfills, and the production of greenhouse gases. These two concerns are related. For landfills add to the presence of greenhouse gases. The kind of decomposition that takes place in landfills is called anaerobic. The reason that it's so called is the lack of oxygen. And oxygen-starved decomposition leads to the production of methane, which is one of the greenhouse gases. So businesses and individuals can help fight this double-edged problem by putting into practice a popular contemporary slogan: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Restore. Increasing the amount of curbside recyclables, and decreasing the amount of curbside trash pick-up, would apply all four pillars in one fell swoop. For recyclable products reuse resources, and restore balance to that threshold where wilderness and urbanization interface by reducing resource exhaustion.