Reducing your carbon footprint is an important and integral part of making our world a better place. There are many things you can do as an individual that are inexpensive and easy to accomplish to reduce your carbon footprint.
The first thing to do is calculate your carbon footprint, which is the total measurement of greenhouse gases one uses. Go to carbonfootprint.com to calculate your carbon footprint. To prevent global temperatures from rising 2℃ the average carbon footprint must drop to under 2 tons by 2050. As of now the average carbon footprint in the US is 16 tons, one of the highest in the world. In comparison, the average carbon footprint in China is around 8 tons. This being said the US has a long way to go to reduce the average carbon emissions per individual.
There are many things that you can do to reduce your carbon footprint at home. First off, you can turn lights off when they aren’t needed and unplug electronics when they aren’t being used. Changing to low-flow showerheads and taking shorter showers reduces water waster. Turn your thermostat lower in the winter and raise it in the summer, to save electricity. Change to LED light bulbs which last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. These are just a few things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint at home.
Changing your eating and shopping habits are other great ways to reduce your carbon footprint. For example, you should eat more fruits, grains, beans, and vegetables and cut down on meats. You can also cut down on food waste by saving leftover food for future use. Students can compost food scraps that they might normally throw away or put down the drain. Buying less is such a simple way to reduce your carbon footprint. Don’t get things you don’t need. Bring reusable water bottles and bags when you go places. Buy from companies that are environmentally beneficial and sustainable. Don’t buy things that use over-the-top packaging.
Lastly, being aware of transportation and how you use it is important. Drive less, instead, bike or walk places. Carpool or take public transportation to places that are further away. When running errands try and do them all at once to minimize your driving. If you need a car opt for a hybrid or electric car since they are environmentally friendly. Try to minimize air travel, since it is one of the biggest factors in your carbon footprint.
Please be aware of what you’re doing and the consequences they have on our environment. While reducing your carbon footprint won’t happen overnight there are many things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint.
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