5 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

 

Reducing our carbon footprint is the need of the hour. While global warming is getting a more severe topic by the day, we as individuals can help make a difference by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions on a personal level. There are several different ways to do this like planting trees, using solar panels and using public transport. All of these are simple things and will save energy. Given below are the simplest of ways to implement the reduction, right from your home -

 

Clothing –

 

The number one thing you can do is to not buy fast fashion, ever. Trendy items which go out of style quick then get dumped into landfills where methane is produced while decomposing. Instead, buy quality clothes which will last you a long time. Even better than that, by vintage or recycled clothing from thrift stores. More thrift shopping can do wonders for the environment. Also, wash your clothes in cold water. Enzymes present in cold water detergent are made to wash better in cold water. Washing clothes in cold instead of warm/hot water can save up to 500 pounds of carbon dioxide every year.

  

Transport –

 

This one is pretty obvious, but drive less. Walk or take public transport which will not only reduce CO2 emissions but also lessens the traffic congestion the idling engines that comes along with it. When you do drive, make sure to avoid unnecessary brakes or accelerating. Also, consider owning a hybrid or an electric car. Avoid air travel if possible as air travel is responsible for biggest part of your carbon footprint. For shorter trips, driving will emit lesser greenhouse gases.

  

Food –

 

Make sure you eat locally produced and organic food as a lot of gases are produced from the transport and production of food. A lot of fertilizers are also fuel based which should be kept in mind. Also, cut out dairy and meats from your diet. It takes up a lot of resources to breed cows and such animals. A lot of deforestation takes place which emits carbons leading to climate change. Stick to eating more fruits and vegetables, grains and lentils. A few other helpful ways are to buy your food in bulk, and reduce your food waste. Instead, compost it if possible.

 

Garden –

 

Planting a few plants in your space is a quick + easy way to lessen your carbon footprint. Making spaces for grasses, plants and trees can mitigate the effect and give much better cooling without having to use the air conditioning a lot, which is hazardous to the environment. Make sure to plant some bee friendly plants, and you will have for yourself a balcony garden perfect for urban homes.

  

Home –

 

A really simple way is to switch off the lights and unplug your devices when not in use. It is simple, but a lot of us fail to make sure to do that. Get a low-flow showerhead which lessens the hot water usage which saves up to 350 pounds of CO2. Make sure to take shorter showers. A better way is to use buckets instead of showers.

These were some simple and doable ways to reduce your carbon footprint. These ways can help immensely and will surely make a difference if we make a collective effort towards it.