What Does It Mean To Be Green?

Everywhere you go these days you hear people talk about "Being Green" or "Carbon Neutral". What on earth does it all mean and why should you care? Here are some important terms to know in today's "Green" society…

Carbon Footprint:  Your carbon footprint is basically the sum total of all your actions and decisions and the impact they have on the environment through carbon emissions. How you live, eat, shop and travel all impact the size of your footprint

Greenhouse Gas:  Greenhouse gas (GHG) is a gas in the atmosphere that absorbs and emits radiation within the thermal infrared range and is the primary cause of the "greenhouse effect." Greenhouse gases dramatically affect the Earth's temperature. The most common greenhouse gases are water, vapor, methane, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and ozone. (cited from Wikipedia)

Carbon Neutrality:  Achieving carbon neutrality means you have neutralized the effect of your personal greenhouse gas emissions so your actions are no longer contributing to global warming. Many individuals and companies now strive to be "carbon neutral."

Carbon Offset:  One way to achieve carbon neutrality is through the purchase of carbon offsets. Carbon offsets are purchases you can make designed to reduce or offset your negative impact on the environment. Funds may go towards wind farms or planting trees. This allows people to take personal responsibility for their impact on the environment.

• Can I Really Make A Difference?
• Reducing Your Carbon Footprint At Home
• Reducing Your Carbon Footprint On The Road
• Reducing Your Carbon Footprint When You Shop
• How to buy Carbon Credits