Did you know that transportation is one of the largest sources of carbon emissions? As such, it’s important to try and offset the damage automobiles are doing to our planet. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint as an individual, or as a small business, there are multiple ways to do so.
Tips for Reducing Carbon Footprint in Transportation
- Use Electric Cars
Electric vehicles are superior to gasoline-powered vehicles when it comes to their CO2 emissions. Electric cars emit no carbon dioxide when charged with clean electricity. They can even be powered by solar panels.
While electric vehicles might seem expensive, they save money long term. The industry is also trying to expand its sales worldwide, which means they are working on reducing the cost of EV. You can also expect to see a wider range of electric vehicles, including minivans and SUVs.
Although electric cars are far and few in between currently, you can definitely expect to see more and more of them, as they are the future of road transportation.
- Cooperate with Eco-friendly Companies
You should always cooperate with companies that are eco-friendly. For example, when I need waste disposal, I always try to hire O’neill Skip Hire. Everything they dispose of is recycled, and they use biofuel. As a result, they significantly reduce carbon emissions in London.
If you want to reduce your carbon footprint indirectly, hiring trustworthy and environment-friendly businesses is a great way to do so. By supporting these companies, you are raising awareness about the ever-growing problem of climate change.
- Learn About Eco-Driving
The less fuel you use, the smaller your carbon emissions will be. Some sources say that eco-driving can increase fuel efficiency by up to 15%. Not only does eco-driving save fuel and lowers your carbon footprint, but it also reduces the risk of accidents and improves the overall performance of the driver.
Rules of Eco-Driving:
- Drive sensibly.
- Don’t haul cargo.
- Remove unnecessary weight.
- Don’t accelerate or brake hard.
- Use cruise control when you can.
- Turn off the engine when your car is parked.
While these guidelines aren’t the be-all-end-all, following them will help you save money, drive more efficiently and reduce carbon emissions.
- Find Direct Flights
Jet-fuel is considered to be a high-carbon energy source. Plane take-off and landing uses the most fuel. As a result, always try to book direct instead of connecting flights.
Bonus tip: travel with less. The more cargo the plane carries, the bigger its CO2 emissions are. So maybe you don’t need to pack that extra pair of shoes on your next flight.
- Drive Less
Run your errands more efficiently. Plan accordingly and reduce the number of trips you make when doing your chores.
- Try Video Conferencing
Do all of your business conferences need to be done in person? When possible, instead of driving or flying across the country, consider video conferencing. After all, we live in the age of technological advances, so why not utilize them?
- Carpool
This one is pretty straight-forward. By carpooling, you reduce the total number of vehicles on the road. As a result, there is less carbon emission (not to mention traffic!). You also save money by splitting the cost of fuel.
Other Ways for Your Bussiness to Reduce Carbon Footprint
Of course, transportation is not the only way you can reduce the carbon emissions of your company. Here are some more tips to making your business more eco-friendly and cost-effective:
- Switch to LED lights
LED lights are extremely durable and energy-efficient. Consider replacing your halogen with LED bulbs, as they use ~ 15 times less electricity. Just remember to turn the lights off!
- Reduce Paper Use
Running a business definitely requires a lot of paperwork that builds up fast. Use digital files whenever possible for a cleaner and more eco-friendly work environment!
- Switch Appliances Off
This might seem like a simple step, and it is, but it’s often overlooked. Turning appliances off when they are not in use reduces the carbon footprint of your business.
- Unplug Chargers
Do not leave chargers plugged in an outlet when they are not in use. They consume a lot of electricity, even when the phone is not plugged in.
- Recycle!
Producing waste when running a business is inevitable. Make sure your waste is recycled properly. For example, install recycling bins for specific types of waste (plastic, metal, glass, etc.).
- Grow a Small Garden
Staff gardens are becoming more and more popular, and for good reason. On one hand, they provide a place for your employees to rest and unwind. On the other, they filter our air and reduce atmospheric pollution. It’s a win-win.
These tips work not only for your business space but your home too. So feel free to incorporate them for even more eco-friendliness.
Why It’s Important to Reduce Carbon Footprint
Our increasing carbon footprint is having disastrous results on the environment. The temperatures are rising, as well as the sea level as a direct result of climate change. Some ecosystems are being completely destroyed as a result. Consequently, sources warn that 25% of all living species on Earth will be eradicated in the next 40 years if climate change continues to increase at this rate.
However, the Earth itself is not the only thing that suffers as a result of human actions. Our health is impacted too. There is an increase in malnutrition as a result of drought brought on by climate change. On the same note, increased air pollution is causing more and more respiratory issues.
Conclusion
While your small business might not be dooming the Earth on its own, it is important to try and decrease carbon emissions it produces. By following the set guidelines, you can proudly say that you are doing everything you can to help the planet.
As the effects of climate change are becoming more and more apparent, it is up to people to try and offset some of these disastrous consequences. By implementing more eco-friendly means of transportation, you are not only saving the Earth, but also the health of everyone around you. So keep fighting the good fight!