The carbon footprint is the sum of greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane and carbon dioxide that result in high temperatures in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. Even some of your regular activities and lifestyle factors lead to greenhouse gas emissions. These include electricity use, product buying habits, transportation, use, food choices, and general waste. So, these greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere directly or indirectly by your daily actions. The higher the carbon footprint, the bigger your role will be towards climate change or global warming. Today, when climate change is a crucial issue, every personal attempt towards creating a greener and safer world is valuable. Here are some simple steps you can take to protect the earth from an ever-changing climate leading to global warming. Here we talk about 5 easy ways to reduce carbon footprint.
Reuse and Recycle
Firstly, you have to remember the rule of refuse, reduce, reuse, and recycle the products. Single-use plastics are the worst as they turn into micro-particles that pollute the water sources and the environment. Say no to the use of straws and polystyrene containers and reuse your carry bags for shopping. It will decrease the demand for new resources to be produced, leading to fewer carbon emissions. Mitigating plastic use or using it more wisely can prove to be one of the most effective ways to reduce carbon footprints.
Energy Saving
Conserving energy is an easy thing you can do to decrease your carbon emissions. Make sure to switch off and unplug any electrical devices or machines you are not using. Also, it is always better to make an informed choice by buying energy-efficient electrical appliances with a high energy star rating. Change extra luminous light bulbs (which waste more energy to heat) to light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Though LEDs come with higher price tags, they utilize less energy and last longer. Apart from that, you can choose to get your electricity from cleaner sources through a certified renewable energy provider.
Have Plant-Based Diet
Having plant-based foods are a healthier and better choice for the earth. It means you should focus more on grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans. Most people are not aware of how meat consumption and climate change are interconnected. The most effective way to limit carbon footprint is to avoid having meat in your daily diet. Remember, meat and dairy products cause more than 15 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, specifically from processing and production. It takes more than 2,000 gallons of water to process red meat and beef, significantly increasing the chances of water scarcity. So, limiting your meat intake can help the environment in many ways. Also, you must avoid food wastage by reusing leftovers and cooking the food in the required quantity.
Plant More Trees
We cannot deny the fact that cities and urban areas tend to be hotter compared to the villages because of concrete buildings, most human activities, and vast streets. Having more space for trees, plants and grasses can diminish this effect to some extent and lead to a decrease in ever-rising temperature in cities too, which is a need in today’s worsening climate change. Plants and trees take up carbon dioxide, which benefits both humans and the planet. If you have a big house, leave some space for plants and a garden. For urban dwellings like apartments, balcony gardens are a great choice. Whether you live in an apartment or a big house, consider planting more and more trees, plants, and vegetable gardens as it is a simple way to do your bit for reducing your carbon footprint.
Make Wiser Shopping Choices
Today, the fast fashion industry is playing a major role in global greenhouse gas emissions because of the ways clothes are manufactured and designed. However, you can reduce carbon footprint by cutting down the number of clothes you purchase or buying your garments from certified eco-friendly companies. Organic clothes designed from natural materials like cotton, linen, hemp, and bamboo are better for the environment than garments made from artificial materials like polyester. So, you should shop wisely and buy only from manufacturers that are environmentally responsible. Make sure you buy less stuff, avoid products with extra packaging and carry your reusable shopping bag.
Transportation
With some changes in your transportation modes, you can drastically reduce your carbon effect. You can choose to drive less, cycle, walk or use public transportation modes like rideshare, bike, or carpool to your work. If driving is a must for you, avoid redundant acceleration and braking.
It is not necessary to completely remove plastic items from the planet. However, it is also crucial to ensure that the existing plastic items are used and managed wisely. You can keep the used plastic bag and go shopping with the same bag next. Reusable carry bags are a great way to avoid single-use plastic bags. Likewise, you should prefer reusable water bottles to avoid harmful effects on the environment and keep yourself healthy. Materials such as stainless steel and copper can be maintained for years, making it easier to use less plastic. So, always keep a refillable bottle handy to stay hydrated.
You can’t calculate your food carbon footprint. However, you should calculate your carbon footprint for plastics. That way, you can determine and take some measures to reduce your carbon footprint. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint for food, then the most important thing you can do is eat entirely or mostly plant-based foods. Animal agriculture, particularly that involving cows or sheep, is a crisis for your carbon footprint (beef, lamb, dairy products). Food miles should also be considered. It is best to eat locally produced food whenever possible. Plan your meals around what is in the season where you live. Cook and eat only what you require. Save leftovers and consume them before they spoil.
These are some easy ways to reduce the carbon footprint from your side. By making some changes in your lifestyle and actions, you can aid influence the activities of those around you to address issues related to the climate crisis.
