7 easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint that you can try today
Once predicted in books and theories by scientists, climate change has now become an inescapable reality. If we are looking to sustain our future generations, it has become the need of the hour to account for our individual impact on the environment. The carbon footprint is one such metric that needs to be taken into consideration — which refers to the sum total of greenhouse gas emissions caused by one single individual. Once you have measured yours using an online calculator, look at these handy steps to reduce your individual footprint.
Drive as less as possible
It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that vehicles are among the prime contributors to the emission of noxious gases. However, it will be heartening to know that public transportation can save up to 37 million tons of carbon emissions every single year. When possible, avoid driving in private cars and opt for the carpool option when booking a cab. It can also help to have the monthly necessities delivered at home in one go, instead of driving multiple times to the supermarket throughout the month. And ofcourse walk or cycle to nearby places whenever possible.
Eat less red meat
Red meat is known to produce five times as many emissions compared to any other poultry alternatives. If you aren’t ready to completely quit meat yet, consider reducing your consumption of red meat by replacing it with chicken as it is less carbon-intensive. Supplement this by having one or two days every week dedicated to vegan or vegetarian meals.
Plant a garden
Looking to reduce the impact of carbon dioxide emissions? The logical answer would be to look for solutions that absorb carbon dioxide. As you’ll remember from grade school science, plants absorb carbon dioxide. As a bonus, tending after a balcony garden can also offer various therapeutic benefits for stress relief.
Fact: Dryers consume five times more energy than the washer, which means that by opting for a non-electronic method of drying, you’ll be able to save one-third of your carbon footprint. Look for conventional methods, such as line-drying, to dial back your carbon footprint as well as your energy bill.
Reduce energy consumption
The massive scale of greenhouse gas emissions from energy has been well-documented over the years, and it helps to do your bit for undoing the damage done to the environment by limiting your use of electricity. Switching to energy-efficient LED lighting should be the first step, followed by getting devices regularly serviced and unplugging appliances not in use to avoid wastage of energy.
Cut back on water usage
Given the amount of energy employed in pumping, treating and heating water, it stands to reason that reducing water consumption will have a direct, positive impact on reducing your carbon footprint. Opt for low-flow water faucets, invest in water-efficient toilets and washing machines and maintain a vigilant eye on leaks, and you’ll find a significant reduction in your consumption of water.
From food to fashion, items that have to be shipped over a long distance lead to a corresponding increase in long-distance shipping and consumption of fossil fuels. Make the switch to local products that will cut back your carbon footprint while also providing support to the local economy.