As I rode, I thought of all the buzzwords that I have heard and the ones that I use. Even environmentalists have their buzzwords. We have all heard them when topics such as Global Warming or Greenhouse gases come up.

Here are some famous buzz words: Synergy, Empowerment, Immersion, Proactive, Framework, Dynamic, Paradigm and buzzwords that I use and you have read here -- Green and Carbon Footprint.

Everyone has an idea what these words mean but the last one could leave a few folks scratching their heads. What exactly is Carbon Footprint?

According to Wikipedia, “a carbon footprint is a ‘measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of green house gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide.’ It is meant to be useful for individuals and organizations to conceptualize their personal (or organizational) impact in contributing to global warming.”

What this means is when you go to the store to buy your groceries, all the activities involved in terms of energy used to grow, create, package, ship and display the product including the energy use of the store where the products are sold are accountable. Wow! Who knew everything, and I mean everything, I do has an effect on the environment? Something as simple as driving to work has an effect and that effect can be measured in terms of carbon dioxide I produce when doing that action.

How do I find out how big my carbon footprint is? Simple: You take a survey and the results will give you a good idea how your actions are effecting the planet. I read about the survey on the EPA site and thought I would take the survey and share it with you. Go to this web site and take the survey.

It starts by asking questions such as how many people live in your house, how do you heat your house? Then it’s on to transportation. How many miles do you drive? Home energy is up next and it goes on asking all kinds of questions so you can see how big your carbon footprint is.

After the survey is completed you are given a score and told how your score compares to the national average. The survey then gives you hints and ideas on how you can shrink your footprint. It is a fun and informative way to see how your life here affects the bigger picture.

One of the new things I have started doing to further decrease the size of my carbon footprint is drying my clothes on a clothes rack. I had received one for Christmas and it is really cool. Go to mrspeggshandyline.com for information. Clothes racks are also available at many stores in the area. It unfolds like an ironing board and has rows of heavy duty string on which you hang your clothes.

Because many homeowners associations won’t allow clothes hanging outside you can do as I do. I set mine up in an extra bedroom and dry my clothes there. I don’t use electricity so I save on my power bill.

If you find that your carbon footprint is large even after making the changes suggested and you develop a guilt complex, there are ways to make amends. It’s called carbon offsetting. Oh my goodness, something else to learn about. Well, it’s not that difficult.

Carbon offsetting is paying a fee for the carbon you produce. That money is used to invest in clean power and to fund developing technologies that will reduce carbon emissions. Terrapass is the company I use to offset my footprint. I went to their Web site, terrapass.com for information on this subject of carbon offsetting.

On the Terrapass site, you can learn all about carbon offsetting and how to purchase the offsets. I have given the offsets as gifts and the recipients really enjoy it and say it made them aware of their contribution to global warming.

As I have said before, conserving energy and watching how you do things will save you money so in effect, you are also conserving money.