Why is carbon labelling a good idea?

Carbon labelling has been anticipated in several countries. This would teach consumers much more about their impact on the environment. Many self-governing organisations, such as the Carbon Trust in the UK, have begun pilot programmes to let companies review their emissions and acquire a label to display their footprint. This will allow consumers to make comparisons between their footprint and the others, as with energy or water star ratings.

According to the Carbon Trust a carbon footprint is the total set of greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organisation, event or product.

Every time you utilise energy produced from fossil fuels, be it oil or coal, you are producing carbon emissions, which raises the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Your carbon footprint is formed by day-to-day commercial and personal activities such as driving, flying, heating or cooling your home and by using electrical appliances.

Some other companies have already started to sign up to the Carbon Reduction Label. The organisation is also working to get other companies on board for the project. Currently, a wide range of products has been chosen to exhibit the label, from pre-cooked microwaveable rice to LG washing machines.

Some countries have already begun research to observe the benefits of carbon labelling.