10 ways to reduce your carbon footprint
Since the onset of industrialization and globalization is this century, the rate of greenhouse gas emission has increased immensely. Excessive use of fossil fuels has been the main drive that has led to Earth’s total greenhouse emissions and an increasing amount of carbon dioxide and methane in the air. Which results in a big carbon footprint.
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly or indirectly to support human activities. The greenhouse gases are mainly produced due to transportation, industrial production, deforestation, and the combustion of fossil fuels.
Here are 10 simple ways to reduce carbon footprints:
Unplug your devices
Powering off your devices completely not only helps your gadgets longevity but also helps the planet. If you’re someone who leaves your charger hanging and the power button on even when not charging, then you need to change your habits. By switching off your devices and plug point when not in use could save you $100 yearly on your energy bill.
Plant a tree/garden
An all-time favourite, planting a tree, sapling every time a tree gets cut, is one of the most efficient ways of reducing a carbon footprint. Trees provide shade and oxygen while taking in carbon dioxide which reducing a great amount of the gas in the atmosphere. It is said that a 10-year-old tree produces enough oxygen for two people to breathe. More reason to plant trees then!
Eat local or organic
By eating foods that are close to home or grown in the city, you help save a great amount of carbon emissions that require a vehicle to ship it to you. While going local, try to avoid processed foods as it leads to health issues. You can also mange waste by planning foods ahead of time.
Take public transport or carpool
Carpooling is just a fun way to get to work but also helps in the emissions of harmful gases. One car uses less gas than two and even lesser than three. Another better way is to use public transport, by using a bus or train helps in lowering the number of cars on the road and thus reducing the emission of CO2.
Recycle, Reuse, Reduce
By recycling and reusing plastic, paper, metals, you aid in reducing a good amount of carbon footprint that is released during producing, processing, extraction and the transportation of these resources.
Install energy efficient bulbs
Compact fluorescent bulbs are energy efficient bulbs that take up less energy than the energy eating blazing light bulbs. Overall, switching off lights when not in use help in reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases.
Utilise solar and wind energy
What’s better than using renewable energy? Using solar panels or wind energy avoids the emission of gases entirely and helps to save energy and in the long run, plenty of cash! This is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint.
Consume less dairy products
Emissions of greenhouse gases in dairy production are intensive. It requires quite a huge number of livestock to produce dairy products which estimates to the release of 3000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. Thus consuming less dairy will help the planet.
Use water-efficient kitchen appliances
Installing water-efficient kitchen appliances that are used for cleaning and sanitation such as dishwashers, shower heads, etc., help in conserving water. This also helps to reduce energy wastage that contributes to more carbon emission.
Turn down the thermostat
Heating your house in winter and cooling your house in summers may be the only way to survive in the weather but it’s also a major contributor to your carbon footprint. By decreasing the thermostat down in winters can help a lot. A smart thermostat is perfect to reduce you carbon emissions.
