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We have all heard of the carbon footprint. Generally speaking, we understand that it is not the best thing for the planet, but going as far as giving a presentation on it or explaining it to children may be going too far. Broadly, we know that it affects global warming, that we are likely responsible for it, and that there is a strong chance that, in the near future, we will suffer the consequences.
Of course, you may also know the topic inside out: congratulations! That makes you a responsible person—and the planet needs that in order to be preserved.
In both cases, the topic is fascinating and helps us better understand how we can act, every day, to reduce our carbon impact on the climate and continue to live, travel, and enjoy ourselves without feeling guilty.
Let us start with the fundamentals of the carbon footprint
But what exactly is this carbon footprint that everyone is talking about? Is it visible? Is it really important? Can it be erased? Does everyone produce one? Is it not more about big companies? At my level, can I do something?
The ozone layer, the planet’s shield
Around the Earth, we have a natural layer of gas created from oxygen: ozone. Located in the upper atmosphere, it protects all living beings from the effects of the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays. This protective layer is essential for life to exist on Earth.
However, at low altitude, ozone becomes a toxic gas generated by hydrocarbons and nitrogen dioxide (from car pollution, among other sources), which contributes to global warming. Moreover, these gases contribute to disrupting the fragile balance of the ozone layer and to its disappearance. You have probably heard of the hole in the ozone layer: that is exactly what this refers to.
Greenhouse gases
The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that helps maintain an average temperature of 15°C at the Earth’s surface. However, a large share of the gases we emit accumulate and intensify the phenomenon, leading to a greenhouse effect that causes global warming. Every day, through our everyday actions and the way we travel, we have an impact on the climate. Our consumption, direct or indirect, generates greenhouse gases. Simply cooking or turning on the television therefore contributes to global warming.
Global warming
The consequences of greenhouse gases are widely underestimated, especially when it comes to the climate. After all, we are promised warmer summers—no big deal… We will get bigger refrigerators and air conditioning. The problem is that they themselves produce chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) gases, which are highly dangerous and have an extremely long lifespan.
More concretely, if we do nothing, tomorrow between 10,000 and 20,000 islands will disappear from the map, and thousands of species will vanish. According to the World Bank and the UN, more than 100 million people will fall into extreme poverty and 600 million will suffer from malnutrition. Diseases such as malaria or dengue, until then “limited” to tropical countries, will affect more than 2 billion additional people, according to the WHO.
Not to mention the frequency of floods, storms, hurricanes, and typhoons, which will increase exponentially. And we do not need to wait for this situation: it is happening now.
The carbon footprint: the measurement tool
It is an indicator created to measure humanity’s impact on climate change. It helps us better understand our lifestyle, consume consciously, and make choices—whether we are an individual or a group, a business, or an organization.
Through a simple calculation, it is used to measure the quantity of greenhouse gases emitted by an action, and therefore responsible for global warming. It takes into account methane, carbon dioxide (CO₂), hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride.
To calculate one’s carbon footprint (personal, family, or professional), we add up the CO₂ emissions (the reference gas) produced by our activities: transport, energy consumption, purchases, food, leisure. The higher the final number, the more negative our impact.
How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
You have calculated your carbon footprint, or you suspect that your lifestyle is not really eco-responsible: that is excellent!
The goal here is not to make you feel guilty or to go back to the Stone Age, but to look to tomorrow: how can I become more responsible? Can I reduce my carbon footprint?
Let us start by establishing an indisputable fact: you matter.
Even if you think your efforts are useless, that is not true. You are part of the solution.
Two simple actions can be put in place starting today:
- Reduce your impact by lowering your carbon emissions.
- Offset by taking part in climate-positive actions.
Obviously, you should avoid offsetting without reducing: it would have little impact.
1. I reduce my carbon emissions
Simple steps, but often overlooked:
- Switch your light bulbs to LEDs: you save 600 kg of CO₂ over their lifetime.
- Turn off your devices and avoid standby mode.
- Choose laptops, which consume up to 80% less.
- Buy local and seasonal. An imported tomato travels an average of 2,500 km.
- Change your habits: sort your waste, use less electricity, choose showers, carpool, avoid disposables, refuse plastic bags, eat less meat, refurbish your products…
These actions not only reduce your carbon footprint, they also help you save money.
2. I offset my greenhouse gas emissions
There is no miracle solution. But there are useful options and choices to be made.
Plant trees with Amanaska and travel to Bali with peace of mind
We plant one tree per day, per participant in one of our stays in Bali. A family of 5 for 15 days = 75 trees.
According to biologist Thomas Crowther, we would need to plant 4 trillion trees to reduce CO₂ by 25%. That is 500 trees per person. Together, it is possible—and even more so if you choose to go on holiday with responsible travel agencies.
Helping local communities
Oxfam estimates that people in poor countries receive on average $3 per year to protect themselves from the effects of the climate. Their daily reality: impoverished lands, dead livestock, devastating cyclones (e.g., $3.2 billion in damage in Mozambique).
At Amanaska, your trip helps finance the purchase of water filters, distributed across Indonesia.
Conclusion
Offsetting your carbon footprint means becoming a citizen of the world. It requires getting involved in actions that are meaningful to us. The future is uncertain, but everyone can do their part—moving from spectator to actor.
