Business Ethics Report: Carbon Footprint Analysis and Solutions

This report, focusing on business ethics, provides an in-depth analysis of carbon footprint, discussing its impact and proposing actionable solutions. The report suggests switching to renewable energy sources, calculating and offsetting carbon emissions, and implementing energy-saving measures like using LED lights and installing smart thermostats. It emphasizes the importance of reducing water usage, adopting a minimal lifestyle, and promoting recycling. The report also explores the feasibility of these recommendations, highlighting the convenience and cost-effectiveness of installing solar panels, adopting dietary changes, and reducing car usage. The author suggests that driving less, avoiding speeding, and turning off engines when idling can significantly reduce carbon emissions. The report concludes that implementing these simple steps can contribute to a more sustainable environment. References include studies on carbon footprint reduction strategies and sustainable energy solutions.

Running head: BUSINESS ETHICS
Business Ethics
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author note:

1BUSINESS ETHICS
Introduction
The carbon footprint refers to the carbon dioxide amount released in the atmosphere
due to some kind of activities of an individual or a particular community or organization.
Burning fossil fuels, coal, natural gases and crude oil emits carbon dioxide into the
atmosphere, which causes severe harm to the environment and human beings as well. One of
the most common ways to lessen the amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere is to
reduce, reuse, refuse and recycle (Chu & Majumdar, 2012).
Recommendation being provided
It is important to switch to the option of renewable energy. The amount of carbon
footprint must be calculated and certified carbon offsets must be bought. Reducing of energy
can be done by using LED lights, unplugging unused electronics, insulating homes, installing
a thermostat, buying certified appliances which are energy efficient and auditing the energy.
Adding solar panels on the rooftop minimizes costs and electricity (Bocken & Allwood,
2012). Water use must be reduced by avoiding wastage of water. Embracing a minimal
lifestyle can help in reducing the carbon footprint. Buying organic and unprocessed foods
from local markets and healthy food stores can help in cutting the amount of carbon footprint.
Recycling of products and items is highly recommended as it helps in lessening the emission
of carbon dioxide in the environment (Chu & Majumdar, 2012).
Implementation of these options
One should implement these options, quite often, to reduce the content of carbon
dioxide in the environment. It is important to drive a vehicle which emits lower carbon
content. In my opinion, one can walk or ride a bike, whenever possible, reducing the usage of
cars to some extent. An individual’s driving style also matters in the case of carbon dioxide

2BUSINESS ETHICS
emission. Speeding can increase the carbon footprint and at the same time it causes wastage
of money and gas. A car’s engine should be turned off, when stuck in traffic. Moreover,
excessive cutting down of trees leads to deforestation and soil erosion, which acts as a major
contributor to the carbon emissions (Bocken & Allwood, 2012).
Feasibility of these recommendations
The recommendations which are discussed above are quite feasible. Adding solar
panels would reduce electricity cost and its installation is also cheaper and easier. Changing
one’s diet can also help in reducing carbon footprint. Cutting out animal products and
unprocessed foods from the diet chart can reduce the carbon emission. One can easily avoid
driving; rather he/she should walk short distances. These options can be easily implemented
in one’s daily life activities. Moreover, they are feasible enough as these methods are
convenient and easily applicable. One can install a solar panel on the rooftop, as it saves
electricity and money. Avoiding animal and unprocessed foods is easy and helps in saving
money as well as reducing the carbon dioxide emission. Implementing these easiest steps for
reducing carbon footprint would make the world a better place to live in (Chu & Majumdar,
2012).

3BUSINESS ETHICS
References
Bocken, N. M. P., & Allwood, J. M. (2012). Strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of
consumer goods by influencing stakeholders. Journal of Cleaner Production, 35, 118-
129.
Chu, S., & Majumdar, A. (2012). Opportunities and challenges for a sustainable energy
future. nature, 488(7411), 294.