Every day we are becoming more and more aware of what it is to be environmentally friendly. Only right too. But if like me, you take an age to grapple with the meanings of modern terminology, don’t fret– for I’m about to give you the low-down on what has been termed the Carbon Footprint.

Technically speaking, a Carbon Footprint is a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide.

In other words, how much do we individually and collectively contribute to global warming? Nowadays, filling the green recycling bin goes a little way to alleviating pollution. There are many other ways we can go greener and in the process minimise our Carbon Footprint.

Electricity is one of the biggest producers of carbon emissions, so every time we make a cup of tea or turn the television on we are adding to global warming.

Here’s a list of simple things we can do immediately. The items in this list cost nothing and will in fact save us money in the long run.

1. Sign up to a green energy supplier where possible, who will supply electricity from renewable sources (e.g. wind and hydroelectric power)– this reduces our carbon footprint contribution from electricity to zero.

2. Turn it off when not in use– lights, television, DVD player, hi-fi, computer etc. Turn down the central heating slightly (try just 1 to 2º C).

3. Turn down the water heating setting (just 2 degrees will make a significant saving).

4. Fill the dishwasher and washing machine with a full load– this will save on water, electricity, and washing powder.

5. Fill the kettle with only as much water as is needed.

6. Unplug mobile phones as soon as charging is complete.

7. Defrost fridge/ freezer regularly.

8. Do weekly shopping in a single trip.

9. Hang out the washing to dry rather than tumble drying.

Even the aviation industry is taking responsibility for its part in contributing to global warming and are re-assessing ways to alleviate air traffic pollution. Although taking the boat is far more environmentally friendly than jumping on a plane, for many it isn’t practical. But regarding travel, there are other ways to reduce carbon monoxide.

1. Car share to work, or for the kid’s school run.

2. Use the bus or a train rather than the car.

3. Don’t use domestic flights (e.g. from Dublin to Cork), use a train or a coach.

4. When replacing your car– check out diesel engines. With one of these you can even make your own biodiesel fuel. Find out more about biodiesel.

5. When on holiday– hire a bicycle to explore locally rather than a car.

And what about our shopping habits? It’s interesting to know that not buying food from abroad not only helps support our local grocer but it also is more environmentally friendly. The following is a list of how we can be a greener consumer.

1. Don’t buy bottled water if your tap water is safe to drink.

2. Buy local fruit and vegetables, or even try growing your own.

3. Don’t buy fresh fruit and vegetables which are out of season– they may have been flown in.

4. Try to buy products made closer to home (avoid items that are produced abroad).

5. Don’t buy over–packaged products.

6. Recycle as much as possible.

Decoding the mystery surrounding the Carbon Footprint was easy. Easier still, we can all do our bit in the fight against global warming. For the sake of the planet’s future, go green and stay green.