Easiest Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Carbon Footprint

Greenhouse gases are produced through the production of goods and services. A carbon footprint is a perception used to quantify the influence of an activity or a country on climate change.

How can I know my carbon footprint?

Many companies are responsible for 71% of carbon offsets, and that does not mean that individuals do not have a carbon footprint. Our actions and lifestyles all have some influence on the environment. We can measure it with a carbon footprint calculator. To know what your carbon footprint is, you want to look at numerous key areas of your lifestyle:

1. Your energy use 

This comprises factors like how much power, natural gas, and fuel you use and where they are sourced from; also, whether you recycle or send all the waste to a landfill.

2. Travel 

Your carbon footprint will differ depending on whether you have a car or a bike and how often you use it. Also, your use of public transportation contributes. Any flights you take need to be considered, as they contribute meaningfully.

3. The diet 

The types of food you consume and where you get it can play a dominant role in your general carbon footprint. The more energy concentrated it is to produce your food, the worse it is for the environment.

4. Shopping habits 

The factor of how often you buy new products such as electronics and clothing also matters. The lifespan of these items and how they are produced can play an important role in your carbon emissions.

Why should I reduce my carbon footprint?

The links between greenhouse gas production and climate change are too obvious and dangerous to ignore. Average global temperatures are growing, life-threatening weather events are becoming more severe, levels of the ocean are rising, and acidification is also occurring. All these ecological threats are a result of our carbon footprint. By lowering the carbon footprint, you can help to contribute more to the general reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing your carbon footprint can aid you in living a healthy lifestyle and save you money.

How to lessen your carbon footprint?

1. Switch to renewables

Energy providers around us are now offering carbon credits. Many companies are switching to ones that provide electricity from solar or hydroelectric energy, and you can also reduce your household emissions to save money on your electricity bills. You can install solar panels if it is possible.

2. Buy energy-efficient appliances

Electrical appliances are now becoming more energy efficient. You can make your home eco-friendlier by buying energy-saving light bulbs or can choose appliances with an energy star rating. Also, make sure to turn off the switches and unplug all appliances when you are not using them.

3. Try to change your diet

The food we eat can have an important impact on our environment. Meat and dairy products need a lot of water, land, and energy to produce. They also produce a lot of methane gas. By eating a few animal products, particularly red meat, and by shopping for locally sourced food, you can make a big difference.

4. Turn off the unwanted lights

Powering the empty rooms and other office space is a huge energy drain. By making sure to turn off the lights and appliances when they are not in use, you can make sure that you are not wasting any power. You could also appeal to install automatic and energy-saving bulbs to solve the issue.

5. Try to go digital

Try to move away from printed documents wherever possible, and also inspire others to work on their digital skills.

6. Do cycling to work

Cycling and walking are the most environmentally friendly ways of travelling. They are good for the planet, and they are good for your health too. If possible, choose to cycle or walk to work when possible.

7. Reduce, reuse, and recycle

Many carbon credit companies of all sizes use a host of diverse products to reduce their carbon footprint. Whether it is things like electronic devices, packaging, food, or water, it all has a carbon footprint. By reducing the waste you generate and recycling waste, you can make a big difference.

8. Try to avoid single-use plastics

Single-use plastics are convenient, but they are dreadful for the environment. They create carbon emissions and pollute our oceans. You can stop using disposable coffee cups and cutlery to lessen your company’s carbon footprint.

9. Use your local food

You can apply this to every area of life. Locally-grown harvest takes less energy for transport and also supports the economy where you live. If you can get your local and sustainable food for the kitchen, you can help to save the planet and help your local business too.

10. Try to use public transport

Cars and taxis emit a lot of carbon dioxide in travel. Public transport, such as trains and buses, carries numerous people and are more sustainable forms of travel. This offsets carbon footprint, and makes it quite an energy-intense method to get around.

11. Always think green

No matter how much you travel, you can take an ecologically friendly approach to get to your destination. You can choose to walk, cycle, or use public transport, eat your local food, and try to reduce your carbon footprint as much as possible.

12. Get switched to a low-carbon provider

Another great way to decrease your carbon footprint is to switch your power provider to a company that uses very low-carbon energy. Renewable energy comes from sources such as sunlight or water. This has a lower carbon footprint than the energy that relies on the burning of fossil fuels. Identify whether your electricity provider has renewable energy choices. If it is possible to do, look for low-carbon energy providers or try to buy carbon offsets. Ask your new provider to guarantee that their service is suitable for your needs.

13. Limit your hot-water usage

Hot water uses more energy than cold, so a simple swap is to use cold water when possible. While taking your shower, try to adjust to a slightly cooler temperature. Use cold water while brushing your teeth, and do not let it run the entire time. Wash your clothes in cold water while doing laundry, as 75% of the energy use and greenhouse gas emissions formed during a single load of laundry comes from warming the water.

You can also buy carbon offsets from Climate Carbon to neutralize the effect of your carbon emissions.