10 Ways To Reduce Carbon Footprint

Climate change is a harrowing reality that the world is facing every day. And it is undeniable that humans are one of the most significant perpetrators. However, although there are still no viable large-scale solutions to the problem, it does not mean that you cannot do something to help. If you want to alleviate the impact of climate change, you need to start it by reducing your carbon footprint.

Here are ten things that you can do to start the movement:

Practice the 5R’s always

You are probably familiar with the three Rs. However, with the extent of damage climate change brings to the world, those three words are simply no longer enough. So, three is now five.

• Refuse any single-use plastic products. Instead, opt for the reusable ones.
• Reduce what you buy and prioritize your needs over your wants.
• Reuse the items that you have. Repair the damages or upcycle them to keep them off of landfills.
• Rotten goods and food scraps are good sources of nutrients for plants. You can set-up a compost pit for them.
• Recycle any plastic, paper, metal, or glass that you have. As long as it is useful for something, then use it.

Use your bike or walk more

Cars contribute significantly to air pollution. Try to minimize using your car and opt for walking instead. If walking becomes too tiring, then you can always ride a bicycle. You are not only helping the Earth, but you are keeping yourself fit as well.

Unplug devices when not in use

If you are not using any of your electronics, then unplug them. Leaving electronics plugged, even when not in use, will still use up some energy.

Use water wisely

Over 95% of Earth’s water is salty. Only 3% is freshwater, and you can only drink about 1.2% of that. As the environment changes due to climate change, so is the availability of drinking water. Hence, it essential that you use water wisely and conserve where you can.

Shift to sustainable energy

The majority of the energy supplied to consumers comes from burning fossil fuels like oil and natural gas. Burning these fossil fuels releases toxins to the atmosphere, which can aggravate climate change. If you have the option to use more sustainable sources like solar, water, or wind power, then do so.

Start buying locally

Instead of purchasing imported goods, go for local products. If there is a vegetable or fruit market near you, buy produce from there. Minimize ordering materials from online export sellers as well. Items from abroad arrive by plane, then by truck before it gets to use. Imagine the amount of fuel it took.

Air dry your clothes

Dryers use as much as five times more electricity than washing machines. So, you have to skip that. Air or line-dry your clothes instead. You will help the environment better that way.

Stop buying fast fashion

Clothing manufacturers make bulks of clothes quickly and sell them cheaply. It repeats for every new clothing trend. This trend is “fast fashion,” and those who follow it end up with heaps of “wasted” clothes ready for the landfill. You have to stop with this. Instead, choose styles that outlive trends or upscale whatever you have to make it trendy.

Do backyard gardening

Start your garden. It does not matter even when you do not have a backyard. You can plant vegetables and fruits in pots. It provides you with accessible food and saves you money. Plants also absorb carbon dioxide and help keep the air clean.

Optimize your home

Optimize your home to be sustainable. If you have manual heaters, you can replace them with programmable thermostats that can adapt the heat level to the environment. Keep your blinds closed so the temperature inside remains stable. Replace your lights with LED and only turn them on at night to save energy. You can also switch your desktop computer with a laptop as they consume less energy than those. Use appliances with the “Energy Star” symbol as they are certified to be energy efficient.

There are many ways on how you can help reduce your carbon footprint. All it takes is determination and action on your part. Even with just the tiny changes you make in your lifestyle and living space, you can put forth a great effort to heal the Earth from climate change. And as you do your part to help, encourage others to theirs as well.