1. Carbon Footprint Kerry Sophie

2. What is a Carbon Footprint ? A carbon footprint is “the total set of greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event or product” (UK Carbon Trust 2008) Greenhouse gases, are essential to helping determine the temperature of the Earth, without them the Earth would be considerably colder. Individuals and businesses produce carbon dioxide from daily activities such as driving, heating, and the consumption of products and services. http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/302/5651 /1719

3. Who does it effect? Carbon emissions effects everyone Greenhouse gases are produced in our day-to-day lives through burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating and transportation. Simple actions such as switching the TV off standby can help reduce both fuel bills and CO2 emissions.

4. Reducing carbon footprint/ Carbon diets A low carbon diet refers to making lifestyle choices to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from energy use. A carbon calculator is where you can determine your carbon footprint, a measurement of how many pounds of global-warming-causing carbon dioxide you alone or you and your family are emitting annually into the atmosphere from your daily lives. Simple changes such as changing light bulbs to fluorescent compacts will lose around 8,500 pounds a year. Drying clothes on a line instead of using a drying machine will lose around 2,500. Taking up cycling to work or school or walking more often can result in up to a loss of 7,600 pounds in transportation emissions a year. http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,85 99,1552237,00.html

5. The Commuter Commuting is regular travel between one's place of residence and place of work or full time study. Commuters often travel via car and often alone or via trains and buses It has now been proven that commuting by car is a major factor contributing to air pollution Most commuters travel at the same time of day, as most people work an average 9am – 5pm day. This causes the morning and evening "rush hours", with congestion on roads and public transport systems. Some areas have a large amount of commuters with cyclists and walkers, however, this is still no where near as much as people commuting via car. http://www.census.gov/Press- Release/www/releases/archives/american_commu nity_survey_acs/001695.html

6. What is being done? Congestion charge in London Aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve journey times by encouraging people to choose other forms of transport, thus reducing Carbon emissions ‘Greener Cars’ New developments within the car industry has made it more appealing to the masses: performance, price, reliability, style, comfort have all been improved Park & Ride Aimed at commuters, in order to reduce the congestion within large cities

7. Cars with a single occupant use fuel and roads less efficiently than shared cars or public transport Traffic Cost Pollution Commuting alone by car is often a more efficient method for the people doing the commute, as their commute times tend to be lower Public transport often occurs delays and can become cramped and uncomfortable However public transport can be less stressful with regards to traffic and congestion. Using a train or bus is much more environmentally friendly. Single occupants vs. Shared and Public transport http://www.census.gov/Press- Release/www/releases/archives/american_community_survey_ acs/001695.html