carbon footprint

noun

Updated on: 22 May 2018

Definition of carbon footprint

: the amount of greenhouse gases and specifically carbon dioxide emitted by something (such as a person's activities or a product's manufacture and transport) during a given period

Recent Examples of carbon footprint from the Web

Corbett said the plant is part of the company’s plans to reduce its carbon footprint by 80 percent from 2017 levels.

— bob gross, The Seattle Times, "Bald eagle babies find home at Michigan plant," 13 May 2018
And however things are made overseas is also part of our carbon footprint.

— holly otterbein, Philly.com, "A Q&A with Molly Sheehan, the 'anti-imperialist' and scientist running for Congress | #PA5," 12 May 2018
California updates the efficiency standards every three years, and the state's ultimate goal is net-zero energy homes that reduces the carbon footprint of buildings and makes them effectively energy self-sufficient.

— jeff daniels, USA TODAY, "Rooftop solar to be required on new homes in California," 10 May 2018
Here, five new beauty lines that will improve your complexion—and your carbon footprint.

— ivana rihter, Vogue, "5 New, Eco-Friendly Beauty Brands, Just in Time for Earth Day," 21 Apr. 2018
Making that protein switch lowers the carbon footprint of a meal by almost 97 percent.

— grant butler, OregonLive.com, "Earth Day is a perfect time to look at food choices and how they affect the planet," 16 Apr. 2018
Just as environmentally minded investors may ask about their portfolio’s carbon footprint, or seek to invest in green-energy projects, so too a small but growing group of investors want to know what good or harm their money is doing to women.

— The Economist, "The power of moneyInvestment by women, and in them, is growing," 8 Mar. 2018
As for the drink menu, Thompson said the tap handles at PBS will feature at least 75-percent local options, both as a way to take a local approach and minimize its carbon footprint by eliminating shipping.

— adam lukach, RedEye Chicago, "Punch Bowl Social to feature VR gaming and local brews at upcoming Fulton Market location," 6 Mar. 2018
Pros: Reducing your carbon footprint a few sizes. Cons: The cost.

— sarah stebbins, ELLE Decor, "How To Choose The Best Kitchen Cabinets," 8 Apr. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'carbon footprint.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of carbon footprint

1999

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Other Ecology Terms

Malthusian, anthropogenic, biomass, crepuscular, niche, sere, symbiosis, taiga, tundra