Phi 205 Business Ethics- Carbon Assessment Answers

Answer

Introduction

The carbon footprint refers to the carbon dioxide amount released in the atmosphere due to some kind of activities of an individual or a particular community or organization. Burning fossil fuels, coal, natural gases and crude oil emits carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which causes severe harm to the environment and human beings as well. One of the most common ways to lessen the amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere is to reduce, reuse, refuse and recycle (Chu & Majumdar, 2012).

Recommendation being provided

It is important to switch to the option of renewable energy. The amount of carbon footprint must be calculated and certified carbon offsets must be bought. Reducing of energy can be done by using LED lights, unplugging unused electronics, insulating homes, installing a thermostat, buying certified appliances which are energy efficient and auditing the energy. Adding solar panels on the rooftop minimizes costs and electricity (Bocken & Allwood, 2012). Water use must be reduced by avoiding wastage of water. Embracing a minimal lifestyle can help in reducing the carbon footprint. Buying organic and unprocessed foods from local markets and healthy food stores can help in cutting the amount of carbon footprint. Recycling of products and items is highly recommended as it helps in lessening the emission of carbon dioxide in the environment (Chu & Majumdar, 2012).

Implementation of these options

One should implement these options, quite often, to reduce the content of carbon dioxide in the environment. It is important to drive a vehicle which emits lower carbon content. In my opinion, one can walk or ride a bike, whenever possible, reducing the usage of cars to some extent. An individual’s driving style also matters in the case of carbon dioxide emission. Speeding can increase the carbon footprint and at the same time it causes wastage of money and gas. A car’s engine should be turned off, when stuck in traffic. Moreover, excessive cutting down of trees leads to deforestation and soil erosion, which acts as a major contributor to the carbon emissions (Bocken & Allwood, 2012).

Feasibility of these recommendations

The recommendations which are discussed above are quite feasible. Adding solar panels would reduce electricity cost and its installation is also cheaper and easier. Changing one’s diet can also help in reducing carbon footprint. Cutting out animal products and unprocessed foods from the diet chart can reduce the carbon emission. One can easily avoid driving; rather he/she should walk short distances. These options can be easily implemented in one’s daily life activities. Moreover, they are feasible enough as these methods are convenient and easily applicable. One can install a solar panel on the rooftop, as it saves electricity and money. Avoiding animal and unprocessed foods is easy and helps in saving money as well as reducing the carbon dioxide emission. Implementing these easiest steps for reducing carbon footprint would make the world a better place to live in (Chu & Majumdar, 2012).

References

Bocken, N. M. P., & Allwood, J. M. (2012). Strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of consumer goods by influencing stakeholders. Journal of Cleaner Production, 35, 118-129.

Chu, S., & Majumdar, A. (2012). Opportunities and challenges for a sustainable energy future. nature, 488(7411), 294.