Introduction
Over the years, climate change has become a cause of concern for governments over the world. With the increasing level of carbon footprint coming from households, several people have started taking actions in terms of their energy choices and make healthier choices that help in reducing the carbon footprint of their homes. Offsetting the unavoidable CO2 emissions is an immediate and practical way of taking ownership of individual contribution from each home towards climate change. Offsetting reveals that significant demand exists for both cleaner energy and opportunities for decreasing carbon footprint. Retrofitting is also very common among families to ensure they are recycling and removing any leaks in their system, which contribute towards increased carbon footprint. With the rise in climate change concerns, many customers have started to change their behaviour towards their use of energy and are willing to consume and pollute less (Billitteri N.pag). For reducing the carbon footprint from homes, people have started to cut their home-heating and gasoline consumption, choose locally grown food, and start recycling.
Background Information
In the last 100 years, earth temperature has increased by 0.74 degrees and from 1970s the increase has been 0.4 degrees (Fraser, Sertyesilisik & Rostron, 2009, p.29). With the temperature of the planet increasing, the rate of polar ice melting has also increased. More melting of ice means rising levels of water levels in the seas and oceans. An increased water level endangers the aquatic animals and increases the total size of land underwater every year. Such an increase justifies the need for people to make changes to carbon footprint from taking measures at their home. In 2008, the UK government decided to pass legislation that they will be looking to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 80 percent. The decrease will be achieved through making major changes at British homes that changes the landscape of carbon footprint in the country for the future generations and reduces the nationwide carbon footprint.
Supporting Evidence
In support of increasing the carbon footprint reduction at homes, some actions have been taken by many homes. These actions would end up decreasing the carbon footprint from homes over a period of time and certainly help in making sure the carbon emission rates are decreased to protect the environment. Two of these home based actions to reduce carbon footprint at homes are offsetting and retrofitting.
Offsetting
CFLs have become very popular in homes to ensure carbon footprint is reduced. This form of offsetting by using technologies that reduce carbon footprint is very common all over the world. By driving less, recycling and using less electricity, 71 percent of the American population is working hard to ensure their household contributes to reducing carbon footprint (Billitteri N.pag). Even the CFL bulbs are filled with mercury content, which is harmful to the environment. But, there are actions that can be taken by CFL users to ensure their old and broken CFL bulbs are cleaned before dumping into the waste (Ebscohost 35). Many people have also started to use their car less for driving to reduce their contribution to pollution by carpooling and working from home or walking to the nearby store. Overall, offsetting is being used by many people all over the world to ensure the carbon footprint of their home is reduced by taking few environmentally conscious actions.
Retrofitting
Energy saving at home is one of the best ways to contribute towards reducing carbon emissions. Recycling products is one of the most suggested solutions to reduce waste coming out of homes and factories. Making small changes such as replacing old windows can be a great act for reducing energy intake. Retrofitting homes for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency will also save a significant amount of money. Energy auditors can help in carrying out inspections for detecting opening and leaks in the home. By sealing some cracks in their home, owners are making a cost effective solution to reduce carbon footprint. Overall, retrofitting ensures a home is able to conserve energy and provide its owner the satisfaction of contributing to the need of reducing carbon footprint (Chiras 26)
Conclusion
The increasing carbon footprint is a major concern for the governments all over the world as global temperature has been increased over the last 100 years. With the proven increase in temperature, it has become essential for every home to contribute in reducing their carbon footprint. There are some straightforward actions taken by homes to provide their support towards reducing carbon emissions such as offsetting and retrofitting. Offsetting includes utilization of environmental friendly technologies, driving less and recycling to reduce the contribution of carbon footprint from homes. Whereas, retrofitting requires that homes are made safer in terms of conserving energy by eliminating any cracks and leaks and recycling products. Overall, these measures ensure that the challenge of climate change is countered with the efforts of many homeowners and their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.
Works Cited
Billitteri., T.J. Reducing Your Carbon Footprint. CQ Press. cqpress.com. 5 December 2008. Web. 15 February 2016.
"Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs: Weighing Energy Savings vs. Mercury Hazard." Professional Safety 54.3 (2009): 35. Print.
Chiras., D. “Simple Energy Saving Strategies.” Mother Earth News. 221A (2007): 26. Print.
Fraser., A, Sertyesilisik., B and Rostron., J. "The United Kingdom government's policy for reducing carbon emissions from housing stock by 2050: A review." Environmental Quality Management 18.4 (2009): 29-43. Print.
Government of UK. 2010 to 2015 government policy: greenhouse gas emissions. The GOV UK. gov.uk. 8 May 2015. Web. 15 February 2016.
