By avoiding industrial production, we have relieved the globe more than 55 tons of carbon each year. Even though that's a huge achievement, it's not enough. More ways are needed to realize a meaningful change. For example, boarding trains instead of planes, avoiding meat and turning to veganism, buying from second hand shops and much more.
Below, we highlight various ways you can lower your carbon footprint and help in this great course.
Top 13 tips to lower your carbon footprint
1. Shop for energy efficient appliances
Besides lowering your carbon radiations, energy efficient appliances will help you lower your energy bills. You will know these appliances by looking for Energy Star certification on the surface.
2. Turn your water heater down
In average, heating water account for more than 20% energy consumption in your home. Instead of keeping your water heater at 150 degrees, consider lowering it to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This will also help you lower your cost of heating by more than 10 percent.
3. Good insulation of your home
Insulate your home properly to deter cool and warm air from evading your home. This helps in lowering the quantity of energy necessary to keep your home at comfortable temperatures.
4. Unplug your appliances
Make sure you unplug devices that are not in use. Even in their dormancy, these appliances still consume energy leading to avoidable costs. This reason alone has led to over $15 billion extra costs in the U.S only.
5. Opt for rechargeable batteries
If you switch batteries in your devices more often, it would be better to invest in rechargeable batteries. These are more pricy but they reduce waste in the environment. Disposable batteries increase environmental waste leading to a high carbon print.
6. Plan your errands
Avoid unnecessary trips to do errands during the week. Plan on doing all your errands on one day whenever you can. After all, the more you drive, the higher your carbon footprint.
7. Walk or cycle
If you’re not going far from home, you should walk or just hop on your bike and meet your needs as you rejuvenate your body. Biking and walking will not only help your body feel energized, but will also cut carbon emissions and lower your carbon footprint.
8. Reduce flight travels
Planes have been a great source of CO2 emissions into the air. During this COVID-19 pandemic, their rate of CO2 emissions has reduced by more than 55%. Even though the aviation industry has begun picking up, it’s best to consider boarding a train or taking a car whenever possible.
9. Purchase your grocery in a reusable bag
Research has concluded that one plastic bag can take approximately 500 years to completely decompose in the landfill. Consider using reusable bags to reduce environmental waste and soil degradation.
10. Purchase from carbon conscious companies
You will cut your bills and lower your footprints when you buy electricity and gas from companies that deal with clean energy products.
11. Utilize natural cleaning products
Most cleaning products are packed in disposable bottles which accumulate into excessive environmental waste. These cleaning products may contain harmful chemicals which may endanger both you and the environment. Consider going green as you get clean with eco-friendly cleaning products.
12. Reduce your meat intake
Animal agriculture accounts for more than 15% of carbon emissions in the entire world. This is far too much more than one car, boat, bus, train, and a plane all combined.
13. Use LED lights
LED lights use up to 80% less energy and lasts up to 20% times longer compared to incandescent lights. This is a great opportunity that homes can take to reduce energy wastage.
Conclusion
Science is complex. There are still a lot of indefinite things when it comes to future impacts. Real solutions require action on a global scale. Taking the above choices and utilizing them in your day-to-day life will lessen any negative impact of carbon on the environment.
Implementing these tips to reducing your carbon footprint will not only grant you a clean and safe environment, but will contribute in preserving the world’s climate.