The way we live our lives has an effect on the planet we inhabit in a way much larger than we can imagine.
The way this impact is measured is known as our carbon footprint and it measures the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere either directly or indirectly from what we do and the goods we consume.
Our consumption of energy increases our carbon footprint whether it's in driving to work, leaving a light on or buying an imported block of cheese.
Because most of us don't bother finding out just how much energy we waste it may be a little shocking for some people to learn exactly what the level of carbon emissions they produce each year is, as well as the added costs they are incurring.
You can't change your carbon footprint if you don't know its size.
The first important step to getting people to reduce their carbon footprint is making them aware that they have one.
Once that's accomplished, it becomes a much easier task to point out the ease with which it may be reduced.
It's only when someone is shown the consequence for the actions of their daily lives that they can begin to grasp the idea that there is a need for change.
People work better with a goal and setting an actual figure for their yearly carbon footprint gives them something tangible to beat for the next year.
This now gives you a goal that is possible to quantify and track, giving you a proper aim.
There will be no way of definitively knowing the damage you are doing with your carbon footprint without some means of calculation.
Any attempt to lower the levels in the future will be all but impossible.
The fact that we each stand to get a direct benefit in terms of cost to reducing our carbon footprint should have people more than a little interested.
That cost benefit is that you save money! Fortunately, the word is slowly getting out there while, with any luck, the levels of carbon dioxide aren't.