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How Individuals Can Reduce Their Carbon Footprint — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging Grade 6-8 science passage explores how individuals can reduce their carbon footprint. Students will learn about important concepts like greenhouse gases, renewable energy, and sustainability, with key terms highlighted and defined. Real-world examples—such as using public transportation, recycling, and saving electricity—demonstrate practical ways to help the environment. The passage aligns with NGSS standards and includes a glossary, Spanish translation, and comprehension activities. A multiple-choice quiz and writing prompts encourage deeper understanding and connections to everyday life. Audio integration makes the content accessible for diverse learners. This resource is ideal for classroom reading, homework, or science literacy support, and helps students become informed, responsible global citizens.

CONTENT PREVIEW

WHAT IS A CARBON FOOTPRINT — The carbon footprint is the total greenhouse gases emitted by human activity.

The carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere by human activities. These gases, like carbon dioxide and methane, trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere and lead to climate change. Everyday actions, such as driving cars, using electricity, and throwing away trash, can increase a person’s carbon footprint.

Reducing your carbon footprint means making choices that produce fewer greenhouse gases. One way is by using less electricity. Turning off lights when you leave a room, unplugging devices, and using energy-efficient bulbs can help lower the amount of carbon dioxide produced by power plants.

Transportation is another big source of greenhouse gases. Cars, trucks, and airplanes burn fossil fuels, which release carbon dioxide. Walking, biking, using public transportation, or carpooling are better options that reduce pollution. Electric vehicles are also a cleaner choice because they use less or no fossil fuels.

Recycling and reducing waste are important, too. When trash goes to landfills, it often produces methane, another strong greenhouse gas. By recycling paper, plastic, and metal, and composting food scraps, we can send less waste to landfills and lower our carbon footprint.

Eating habits also affect greenhouse gas emissions. Producing meat and dairy usually creates more greenhouse gases than growing fruits and vegetables. Choosing to eat less meat or trying plant-based meals can make a difference.

Using renewable energy is another way to help. Renewable sources like solar and wind power do not release carbon dioxide. Some people put solar panels on their homes or choose a green energy plan from their utility company.

Each small change adds up. If everyone makes a few simple choices, the combined effect can help slow down climate change and protect the environment for future generations.

Interesting Fact: If every American household replaced just one regular light bulb with an energy-saving bulb, it would prevent the release of greenhouse gases equal to taking 800,000 cars off the road!

What is a carbon footprint?

Greenhouse gases from human activityAmount of water we useHow fast cars can goThe size of your backyard

Which gas traps heat in the atmosphere?

Carbon dioxideOxygenNitrogenHydrogen

What do landfills produce?

MethaneOxygenWindWater

Why is biking better for the environment?

It uses no fossil fuelsIt is faster than carsIt creates more pollutionIt costs more money

What can happen if everyone saves energy?

Greenhouse gas emissions go downNothing changesMore trash is madePower plants work harder

What is an example of renewable energy?

Solar powerCoalOilGasoline