A carbon footprint measures the total amount of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or product. It is usually expressed in terms of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) to account for the different global warming potentials of various gases. Understanding carbon footprints helps identify sources of emissions and encourages more sustainable practices. Reducing a carbon footprint can involve various actions, such as using energy-efficient appliances, driving less, or choosing renewable energy sources. Individuals and businesses can also offset their emissions by investing in projects that reduce or capture greenhouse gases, like reforestation or renewable energy initiatives.