Demystifying the Carbon Footprint
Whodunnit: A Carbon-Footprint Mystery
Use the clues provided to figure out who left behind a large carbon footprint. Good luck!
You are the lead investigator of your local Carbon Reduction Unit, a volunteer group established to help people reduce their carbon footprint – the total amount of greenhouse gases generated by our actions – for a greener community and environment.
The Mystery
Today’s case file: A large oak tree has been cut down at a local park, leaving behind the remains of a large carbon footprint. There are three suspects, all of whom live or work near the park: a homeowner, a professional photographer and a scout leader. Use the following three clues to help catch the carbon-footprint culprit!
Meet the Suspects
Evidence: A postcard of a tree removal service addressed to a homeowner.
Suspect Statement: A homeowner claims they were getting estimates for dead tree removal and dropped the postcard near the scene.
Evidence: A professional photographer’s camera lens cap.
Suspect Statement: A professional photographer claims they had been taking pictures in the park and dropped the lens cap near the scene.
Evidence: A scout leader’s duffel bag with camping items, including an ax.
Suspect Statement: A scout leader claims they held a camping demonstration for scouts and left the duffel bag near the scene.
Who do you think cut down the large oak tree?
- Was it the homeowner?
- NO. The dead trees can pose hazards and should be removed from their yard. It was only a coincidence the homeowner dropped the postcard in the park – they live next door.
- Was it the professional photographer?
- YES. The professional photographer cut down the tree because it was blocking the natural light from coming into their studio. They prefer using natural light instead of artificial.
- Was it the scout leader?
- NO. The bag contained things to consider packing when going camping. It was only a coincidence the ax was one of the items.