Your Carbon Footprint
Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane occur naturally in the atmosphere. They trap heat and insulate our planet like a blanket. This is what makes our planet habitable. However, when excessive greenhouse gases accumulate to unnatural levels as a result of human activities (such as the burning of carbon-based fuels), the blanket becomes too thick, there is a loss of ice, and the planet overheats.
What You Can Do: Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
- Turn down your heat at home by a few degrees in the winter and set your air conditioning a few degrees higher in the summer.
- Purchase energy efficient appliances and equipment. Not only will they save you money on utility bills, but you will also help save animals around the world.
- Utilize public transportation when you can and keep your car properly tuned with tires inflated to maximize gasoline efficiency.
Conservation
To make the world better for wildlife, the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium serves as a leader in uniting people to take conservation action.