A carbon footprint is an estimate of how much carbon dioxide is produced to support your lifestyle. Essentially, it is a measure of your impact on the climate based on how much carbon dioxide you produce. Factors that contribute to your carbon footprint include your travel methods and general home energy usage. Carbon footprints can also be applied on a larger scale, to companies, businesses, and even countries.

The national average for someone in the U.S. is 7.5 tons of carbon dioxide emitted per year. Start by calculating your own carbon footprint using an online calculator and think of ways you can modify your lifestyle to reduce it. Even better, try to offset your carbon footprint if you can! Individuals and businesses can help offset their carbon dioxide production by buying carbon offsets or planting trees to balance their carbon dioxide emissions.