Global warming is one of the biggest threats the human race is facing at the moment. Melting ice caps of the arctic, raging forest fires in Australia, and extreme weather conditions. All are consequences of the hazardous greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere. A big component of these dangerous gases is carbon.
The amount of carbon that is released into the atmosphere by an individual, organization, or community is called their carbon footprint. The carbon footprint of an individual household is no less dangerous than that of a big corporation. The effects of a carbon footprint and greenhouse gases on the climate are deadly.
This post lists 8 ways you can care for the environment by reducing your carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.
Waste Control
An average household generates almost five pounds of waste each day. It amounts to over a ton of greenhouse gas emissions each year from landfills. All this waste is from a single household and the numbers can be decreased by following some simple steps:
- Reduce the use of plastic. Plastic is a huge component of the waste of a household, especially single-use plastic.
- Stop or decrease the use of plastic bags and food wrappers. You can also re-use single-use plastic. For example, you can make plant pots from plastic soda bottles. Such creative DIYs can help decrease your waste production.
Heat
A home should be a warm and cozy place but that doesn't mean blasting the heat non-stop. About 25% of your energy bill goes toward heating costs. Excessive use of heat doesn't only increase your bills, it also increases energy use resulting in a bigger carbon footprint. You can take some steps to save money and help the environment:
- Set the thermostat between 65-68 degrees when at home. Turn the thermostat down to 50-55 degrees when leaving the house.
- Get a smart thermostat that can adapt according to the weather conditions. Heating by zone is another great way to heat efficiently.
Switch to Solar Energy
The use of traditional electricity results in depletion of resources, an increase in carbon footprint, and excessive bills. A cheaper and safer alternative is to switch to solar-powered electricity which is more eco-friendly. Electricity produced by solar energy results in lower greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide.
When you are switching to solar energy, it is the perfect time to replace your incandescent light bulbs with the solar-powered Heisolar lights. The solar lights will also help in saving energy and reducing your carbon footprint. Solar bulbs last up to five years longer and reduce the carbon footprint by 500 pounds per year.
Transportation
A huge factor contributing to the carbon footprint and hazardous gasses released into the atmosphere is the burning of gasoline. Petrol and diesel engine vehicles have a big carbon footprint. This can be controlled by reducing the use of such vehicles. Switching to an electric car is a great alternative. They provide the same comfort and utility without the dangerous amount of emissions. You can also switch to bicycles or walk to work and completely rid the environment of your carbon footprint.
Plant a Garden
Perhaps the easiest step of all is one which you should be taking anyway. Maintain a garden in front or back of your house. Plant some trees that will provide some shade, provide fresh oxygen, and eat up any carbon dioxide. It is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, and give a fresh new look to your house backyard or driveway.
A great new idea being exercised nowadays as an alternative to gardens is green roofs. So, if you don't have enough space for a garden you can maintain a roof garden.
Unplug Your Devices
There is a phenomenon called the "vampire power" and it is responsible for draining up to $19 billion in energy every year. Any time a power cord of any electric device is plugged into an outlet, it's drawing energy even if you are not using the device. That means if you have plugged in your mobile charger but are not charging the mobile, you are increasing your carbon footprint. Leave your electronics unplugged when they are not in use.
Recycling
Recycling is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and slow down the landfill process. Glass is a great alternative material to be used in a household instead of plastic. You have to be more careful in its use, but we can all exercise a little extra care to help save our planet.
Glass is recyclable without compromising its quality and utility. As compared to plastic, the same glass can be melted, recycled, and used for several years.
Avoid Excessive Clothes Shopping
No one is a stranger to "fast fashion", cheap, disposable clothes available at every store near you. You buy a $3 dollar t-shirt, wear it once or twice, and then throw it away without worrying about the consequences. Well, it all amounts to over 15 million tons of textile waste. Mountains of clothes end up in landfill, just so you can wear the latest fashion.
A better alternative is to buy organic clothes, shop at thrift stores, participate in cloth swaps, and refrain from excessive shopping.
Conclusion
Science provides evidence that global warming and climate change is real. We need to take serious precautionary measures to save our home and our planet. Because this is the only home we have and if we fail it, it will fail us. This guide enlists some very small steps that we as individuals can take. We hope this guide will encourage you to play your part in reducing the carbon footprint and preserving the environment.
