Anyone who is concerned about the environment can take immediate steps to contribute to the sustainability of the planet. One of the first steps is to find ways to reduce your carbon footprint.
A carbon footprint is the total greenhouse gases that are created from the production, use and end-of-life elimination of a product or service. Every individual has a carbon footprint. The size of it depends on your daily habits and how you approach issues such as fuel consumption and food waste.
Reducing your carbon footprint takes discipline, but it can be accomplished by making changes in your day-to-day life. The following looks at seven of those potential changes.
Unplug your electronics when you’re not using them is an uncomplicated way to reduce your carbon footprint. Anytime a cord is plugged into a socket, it’s drawing energy, even if the device isn’t being used or has been powered off. So, an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint is to unplug any device that isn’t charging.
It’s no secret that the emissions let off by cars are dangerous to the environment. So, when possible, instead of driving, try walking, riding a bike, using public transportation like buses and trains. If driving is necessary, try carpooling. Carpooling equals fewer cars, and that means fewer emissions. As a bonus, you get access to those fast carpool lanes.
This one has been around for many years, but many people still haven’t made the chance. Using LED lights instead of incandescent lights can quickly reduce your carbon footprint. LED lights use less energy, last longer, and are cheaper than their incandescent counterparts. All in all, they’re just a better deal.
Plants absorb carbon dioxide, and, if you live in a city, they can help reduce the “urban heat island” effect, in which cities are hotter than rural areas due to the extensive amounts of concrete and human activity. Planting an urban garden is a huge help to the local environment and helps to offset our carbon footprint.
To reduce your carbon footprint, make sure you don’t buy or cook more food than you’ll actually eat. Cut down on the amount of food you waste by planning out how much food you’ll need, making sure not to buy or cook too much. And, if you don’t finish your meal at a restaurant, save the leftovers in a to-go bag instead of tossing it.
Processed foods are bad for both the environment and your health—not only are processing plants major polluters but eating too much-processed food can lead to health issues such as obesity.
If something is broken, see if you can repair or repurpose it. If not, make sure you research what can and can’t be recycled. If something can be recycled, recycle it!
These are convenient ways that you can reduce your carbon footprint in everyday life. One person can make a difference, especially if enough people pitch in and do their part.
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