Earlier this summer we talked a little about the carbon footprint and about how you can go to this website to measure your own carbon footprint. Your carbon footprint is a measurement of the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that you use each day. These greenhouse gas emissions, or carbon dioxide, are produced by doing things as simple as watching TV or riding in a car!

The smaller your carbon footprint the better because huge carbon emissions can be harmful to the environment. By using less energy, you can shrink your carbon footprint, save money, and best of all, make the environment a healthier place. To learn more about how you and your family can conserve energy each day go here and play California’s Flex Your Power Challenge!

Here are some ways that you and your family can shrink your carbon footprint:

1. Drink tap water instead of just buying bottled water.

2. Turn off the lights, the computer, or the television when you aren’t using them.

3. Take a bath instead of a shower.

4. Replace your ordinary light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.

5. Take the bus or ride your bike instead of riding in a car.

6. Hang your clothes to dry instead of putting them in a dryer.

7. Make sure to recycle!

In the Austin Children’s Museum’s new exhibit, “All Systems Go,” you can learn more about energy by participating in the Energy Lab! You can also learn about different modes of transportation that produce different amounts of energy! Can you think of any other ways to conserve energy? Send us your ideas!