10 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Our carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon dioxide released due to our individual activities. For example, your home's carbon footprint would equate to the total carbon dioxide released by each person who lives there. But how does reducing our carbon footprint make a big impact? And why is it so important?
By decreasing it, you help contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and there are many simple ways that you can help decrease it. Here are the top 10:
To find out how much CO2 you produce, you should calculate your carbon footprint, which you can do for free here.
1. Choose organic and local food
The transportation of imported foods uses fossil fuels for fuel and to keep the food in transit cool, preventing them from spoiling.
2. Plan meals ahead of time and freeze/reuse the leftovers
Not only does it help you save money and time, but it is also a great way to reduce food waste.
3. Avoid buying fast fashion
The trendy but cheap clothing pieces often end up dumped in landfills where they produce methane as they slowly decompose. Instead, invest in slow fashion as it's eco-friendly.
4. Avoid plastic bags when shopping and instead, bring your own reusable bag.
When you dispose of the plastic bags, they are so lightweight that they get easily picked by the wind, travelling far away only to land mostly in water or nature. They’re made from non-renewable materials and contribute to global climate change through their emission of greenhouse gases.
Because they are so lightweight, plastic bags get easily picked up by the wind and travel long distances by wind and water to pollute nature.
5. When shopping, buy from businesses or companies that are environmentally responsible and conscious.
These companies don’t harm the environment, therefore when you’re buying from them, you’re supporting the preservation of the environment by reducing the waste and pollution they could have produced but didn’t.
6. When not in use, switch your lights off and unplug the electronic devices from the switch.
Not only will it save you a lot of money, switching your lights off when not in use helps save energy by reducing carbon emissions and other harmful greenhouse gases.
7. Avoid driving, instead take public transportation, walk, or ride a bike.
Cars release carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides. These not only threaten human health but also contribute to global warming. So, by walking or riding a bike, not only are you helping the environment, but you’re also improving your health, reducing the risk of many diseases.
8. If you are looking to buy a new car, consider an electric or hybrid vehicle.
Since their motor is electric instead of a gasoline engine, the battery-powered vehicle produces zero tailpipe emissions which is great for our environment. You can also choose to go solar and run your electric car on your own "homemade” power through the solar panels mounted on your roof.
9. Wash your clothes in cold water since it can save up to 500 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.
With the help of the appropriate cold-water detergent, it washes better and, if you do a maximum of two loads of laundry each week in cold water, you will end up saving around 500 pounds worth of carbon dioxide annually.
10. Become aware of each candidate’s strategies and priorities and vote
Don’t be afraid to speak up and let them know you want them to take action to decarbonise the country. Join a community group that is environmentally aware and protest!