Carbon Footprint

Go Green
Get Real

Photosynthesis

Christmas Tree

Trivia

Short Video Clips

Carbon Footprint

Q: There has been a lot of talk about carbon footprints. What is a carbon footprint?

A: A carbon footprint is "the total set of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by a company, nation, or individual." Greenhouse gases are things like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, etc. When we heat our homes or drive our cars or make things in our factories, we produce greenhouse gases and create a carbon footprint.

Q: How can we reduce our carbon footprint?

A: We can drive our cars less and take public transportation, ride our bike or walk more often. Also, we can use fewer plastics—including plastic Christmas trees. Buy a Real Christmas tree instead!

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Q: How does buying a real tree help?

A: When photosynthesis occurs, real trees take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. They use the carbon to grow and release oxygen. This process is explained in more detail in the Photosynthesis section. Young trees convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and oxygen at a faster rate than old trees. When artificial trees are produced, greenhouse gases are created. Real Christmas trees take a greenhouse gas out of the atmosphere, use it to grow, and release oxygen. .