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Your Carbon Footprint

What is a carbon footprint?

The term "carbon footprint" refers to the amount of carbon emissions produced by an activity. Carbon emissions (also called greenhouse gases) contribute to global climate change.

Your carbon footprint is your personal contribution to the global climate change problem. Two factors will play a major role in the size of your carbon footprint: your use of energy in your home, and your transportation choices.  		 

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint 

Cars are a major source of carbon emissions. Driving less is one simple way to reduce the size of your carbon footprint. Go car free, and:

  • Use human-powered transportation when you can (bicycling or walking).
  • Share travel with other people. Take buses, shuttles or trains instead of driving. 

Getting Started

 Two things to remember:
  • This doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. If you replace just one car trip with a car-free trip, you're on the way.
  • Car Free-dom is fun. Picture yourself strolling down State Street, or hopping on the 25-cent electric shuttle - or enjoying the beautiful California coast from the window of the train. Imagine a traffic-free, parking-free vacation. 

Check out the pages on this website for car-free ideas, and also see discounts on hotels and activities, and our train discount offer. For more tips, and more about global climate change, see this page on the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) website. APCD is the founder and leader of the Santa Barbara Car Free project, a cooperative initiative with more than 100 community and business partners — all dedicated to promoting car free transportation to and around the Santa Barbara region for cleaner air and a healthier planet. line