Are you looking to reduce your carbon footprint in your everyday life? Here are a few things you can do to help make the world a better place.
When we think about reducing our carbon footprints, it’s typically in terms of the impact we have on the environment. And that’s important to consider.
After all, 72 percent of greenhouse gas emissions come from consumer behavior.
While you may not know what exactly carbon footprint is, you’re likely to be aware of the problem that it poses to the environment. Reducing your carbon footprint is beneficial to society as a whole.
How to reduce your carbon footprint? We’ve compiled this quick guide on decreasing your negative environmental impact. Read on to learn more!
Adopting Sustainable Habits at Home
Adopting sustainable habits at home is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint for the betterment of the planet. A great way to start is by making small changes at home.
Start by choosing energy-efficient lightbulbs. Compared to incandescent lighting, LED lights use at least 75% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer.
Some electric companies charge lower for your electricity consumption during off-peak hours. You can schedule your laundry and dishwashers from 10 PM onwards as long as the noise doesn’t bother you. Unplug electronic devices when not in use and invest in a few smart power strips to do the job for you.
Buy products like furniture and electronics that are either reusable quality or made from recycled materials. Avoid single-use plastics and invest in products designed to last.
Reduce your water use by installing efficient taps and showerheads. If you are remodeling, replace toilets with low-flush models.
Driving a More Sustainable Vehicle
Electric cars are an excellent choice if you are looking for an environmentally friendly vehicle. They do not emit greenhouse gases or other pollutants into the air like gasoline-powered cars. Additionally, electric vehicles have no tailpipe emissions.
Furthermore, hybrids are also a great option for reducing one’s carbon footprint. Hybrids both generate electricity from a fuel engine. They store energy from energy sources such as braking to increase their efficiency.
Lastly, carpooling with friends and family is an excellent option when it comes to reducing your carbon footprint. Not only does carpooling minimize the amount of fuel you need to purchase and consequently, reduce pollution, but it also helps reduce the number of vehicles on the road at any given time.
If you are going somewhere nearby, it can also be a great time for you to bring out your good old bike. This is a simple way to save the environment and exercise at the same time.
Shopping for Sustainably Sourced Products
Find companies that practice responsible sourcing and production. You can look for companies that are certified according to eco-standards, such as the Forest Stewardship Council.
Companies that have adopted Fairtrade-certified standards are good examples. This means that their consumable products are produced with respect for people, the earth, and the environment.
Shopping for eco-friendly products has the potential to make a real difference in reducing our carbon footprint.
Reducing Waste and Maximizing Efficiency
One way to do this is to purchase and consume responsibly. Purchase products with minimal packaging and buy in bulk to reduce waste. Always bring reusable bags to minimize the need for plastic or paper bags.
Buy local and second-hand items to save resources. Re-use containers and bags wherever possible. A trip to a thrift store or a garage sale is a great way to save money while helping the environment.
When shopping for food, consider what you can store and freeze to reduce food waste. Avoid buying excessive food that will end up getting spoiled or expired.
Change air conditioning and heating settings to be more efficient. Unplug electronics to avoid phantom energy. Routinely check your appliances to ensure they are running at peak efficiency.
Eating or Growing Organic Food
Eating and growing organic food is one of the most important ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Organic food is produced with fewer chemical inputs. This effectively reduces the number of pollutants released into the atmosphere.
Eating local and seasonal foods also helps cut back on your carbon footprint. It reduces the amount of energy used to transport food. It also prevents food from being wasted because of the seasonal surplus.
Growing your own organic food is even more impactful. It reduces air pollution from the production and packaging of food. It also reduces the number of miles your food travels to get to your plate.
Eating organic and growing your own food also reduces water pollution. It also creates healthier soil and other environmental benefits. To maximize your reduction in carbon footprint, look for organic certified food and products that come from as close to home as possible.
Choosing Renewable Energy Options
Choosing renewable energy options is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Consider switching to solar power or replacing your heating system with geothermal or wind energy. Both of these renewable energy sources generate electricity while emitting little to no carbon dioxide.
Not only will you reduce your carbon dioxide emissions, but you’ll also save money on energy bills. It costs less to generate energy from renewable sources. Solar power installation companies like Blue Raven Solar can give you an estimate of how much you can save when you go green.
Try installing solar panels on your home if you want to take advantage of the free energy. On a larger scale, you can look into renewable energy certificates (RECs), which provide annual credits to households looking to offset their energy consumption.
Start to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Today
Taking care of the environment doesn’t have to be a big project. A small but important collective action can certainly make more difference in the long term.
Start by changing your habits to use fewer resources and use renewable energy sources. Conserve water, recycle, and compost whenever you can. You can reduce your carbon footprint and make a big difference in stopping climate change – so let’s get going!
Ready for more ways to protect the environment? Be sure to check out our blog!