The science of climate change is complicated. It can be threatening, and many things are still unknown regarding future repercussions. While true answers will necessitate global action, you can make the difference by making choices in your daily life to reduce your own environmental effect.
You can assist in influencing the thoughts and actions of others around us in respect to tackling the climate catastrophe by making adjustments to our individual lifestyles.
So today, we’ll walk you through the various ways of reducing your carbon footprint and positively impacting the environment.
Carbon footprint: create an understanding
When it comes to climate change, you’ve indeed come across the term “carbon footprint” frequently. But what does it really mean? A carbon footprint is a method of calculating the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, as well as fluorinated gases are among the GHG that trap heat in the atmosphere contributing significantly to global warming.
A carbon footprint is the sum of GHG produced into the atmosphere (generally measured in tons per day) due to human actions, either directly or indirectly. To put it in another way, it is a term that is used to measure the influence of individuals, families, businesses, events, commodities, and even nations on climate change.
First calculate your carbon footprint
Your carbon footprint is determined by your way of lifestyle and the activities you engage in on a regular basis which result in GHG emissions.
Following are some of the prevailing lifestyle factors and activities:
- Use of public transportation.
- Use of electricity.
- Dietary options.
- Purchasing patterns.
- Waste in general.
Measuring your own carbon footprint can be daunting. For your ease, Climate Carbon has created their own carbon footprint calculator which is easy to use, precise and reliable.
Why is it essential to compute carbon footprint?
Your carbon footprint is a measure of how much you contribute to global warming and, as a result, climate change.
While steps need to be taken against the world’s most substantial carbon emitters, we should also evaluate our personal contributions.
We can assist in making a global change by taking individual measures to minimize our own carbon emissions. Many people making minor adjustments in their everyday lives may convey a powerful message that we don’t support businesses working as usual and insist that present business practices need to change.
Measures you can take to reduce your carbon footprint
We are at a pivotal point in human history, with the chance to alter the course of our planet’s destiny and ensure a brighter future for future generations. Reducing your personal GHG emissions is the most important measure you can take to help minimize your carbon footprint and at the same time, climate change.
Listed below are some of the effective measures to reduce your carbon footprint:
Food
- Consume seasonal and local items.
- Limit your meat intake, especially beef.
- Choose sustainable fishing for your fish.
- Bring your own shopping bags that are reusable and avoid things that come in a lot of plastic wrapping.
- To minimize waste, only purchase the things that you require the most.
Transportation
- Prefer cycling.
- Use public transportation.
- Consider when and how you drive.
- For your next vacation, consider taking the train instead of an airplane.
Clothing
- Keep your clothes in excellent condition.
- Try to borrow, swap, buy or rent second-hand.
- Buy clothing that is manufactured in a responsible manner, such as those produced from recycled materials or those that come with an eco-label.
Energy efficiency and waste control
- Waste and energy
- Reduce the heat by one degree; that’ll make a difference.
- Limit your shower time.
- While brushing teeth or cleaning the dishes, turn off the water.
- Unplug electrical devices when not in use, and don’t leave your phone on charge when it is already fully charged.
- Learn more about your digital footprint, and don’t put data in the cloud that you don’t need.
- Choose energy-saving products and appliances.
- Keep your waste to a minimum and recycle what you can. Adopt reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Wrapping up
You contribute to the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the environment when you drive your car, dine, shop for new clothes, or heat your home. As a result, it’s critical that you take responsibility for your carbon footprint and strive to reduce it by doing the activities outlined in this article.
Furthermore, you can buy carbon offsets to compensate and take responsibility for your carbon emissions. The money you fund goes to climate-related projects or initiatives that reduce GHG emissions in the poverty-stricken regions in the world. Visit the site for more details: climatecarbon.com.