Carbon footprints measure how much carbon dioxide (CO2) we produce just by going about our daily lives. A drive to work, a flip of a light switch and a flight out of town all rely on the combustion of fossil fuels like oil, coal and gas. When fossil fuels burn, they emit greenhouse gases like CO2 that contribute to global warming. Ninety-eight percent of atmospheric CO2 comes from the combustion of fossil fuels [source: Energy Information Administration].

By carbon emissions, we mean greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. Humans produce these gases in vast quantities by doing things like burning coal, oil and gas for energy and cutting down forests. Your individual emissions are built up from the energy you use personally for electricity and travel, as well as the energy that?s required to produce your food and all the other stuff you buy.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration states that greenhouse gases are gases that keep heat in the earth?s atmosphere. They do this by making it easier for sunlight to enter the atmosphere. And when the sun?s rays hit the earth, they also cause a reflection — infrared radiation — which is what stays in the earth?s atmosphere due to greenhouse gases. Although greenhouse gases do occur naturally, human activity contributes a great deal to greenhouse gas emissions. Your carbon footprint — or your impact on the environment — measures the greenhouse gases that you are responsible for creating. Common activities like using electricity and driving a car emit those gases.

There are several ways to combat climate change by reducing your carbon footprint. First, you can recycle, use less electricity and use public transportation.  Drive better - Studies have shown up to 30% of the difference in miles per gallon (MPG) is due to driving habits alone.  You could save more than a ton of CO₂ per year by: Accelerating slowly and smoothly, driving the speed limit, maintaining a steady speed, anticipating your stops and starts.

Other ways are:

·         change your light bulb

·         Unplug your gadgets

·         Take public transport or car pool

·         Filter your own water

·         Adjust your curtains and thermostat

·         Avoid fast food and buy fresh, green food (slow food)

·         While reading online, use unplugged laptop or e-reader.

·         Choose energy efficient kitchen appliances

·         Use a laptop  computer instead of a desktop computer

Finally, you can check out your individual carbon foot print through several accredited foot print calculator online. One of the most reliable one is United States Environmental Protection Agency, which gives unlimited access to calculate your carbon foot print at http://www3.epa.gov/carbon-footprint-calculator/.