The world’s climate is at a tipping point. The most prominent contributors to climate change are giant corporations. Besides holding them accountable, we also need to play our part. If we all don’t change our ways and try to reduce our personal carbon footprint now, there will be no coming back.
Reducing our carbon emissions on an individual and household level can make a huge difference. Going green can seem challenging and even intimidating at first. If you feel overwhelmed, know that it doesn’t involve complete or radical lifestyle changes. A few small, practical steps towards going green can help in a significant way and there are a few practical ways of lowering your household carbon emissions.
Change Up Your Diet
Yes, what we eat has a massive impact on our environment. One of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions is the meat and dairy industry. They use up vast amounts of water, land, and energy in production and also huge amounts of resources in transportation.
The industry is also the reason behind methane being released into the environment. By cutting out meat from your diet, you can actually lower your household carbon emissions by a considerable margin. We aren’t saying you have to completely go vegan; just try decreasing the quantity of meat you consume.
Another method is trying to purchase your ingredients, food, fruits, and vegetables from locally sourced markets. This will reduce the carbon footprint your food has as these products don’t have to be transported. You won’t just lower your household carbon emissions, but you’ll also be supporting your local businesses.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
Appliances make up almost 15% of our home’s energy consumption and choosing appliances that are energy-efficient is the easiest way of lowering your household carbon emissions considerably. If you are purchasing any new appliances, look for models that have a high energy efficiency rating.
You can also change the way you use your appliances to lower your carbon emissions. Use eco-mode if any of your devices have it. Instead of using a dryer for your clothes, try hanging them out to dry. Anywhere you think you can cut out the use of energy and appliances, you should try and minimize your carbon footprint.
Switch To Renewables
Most of the electricity globally is produced through fossil fuels that are non-renewable and release harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The best way to avoid adding to this issue is by adopting renewable energy options at home.
By adding a renewable energy source at home, you will be lowering your carbon footprint and saving money on your electric bills too. Solar panels are more affordable than they have ever been, and technological advancements continue to make them more affordable, making them a very viable option for households.
Insulate Your Home
Heating and cooling our homes take up the most energy consumption at home, increasing the carbon emissions at home. By properly insulating your home, your home will be able to retain its temperature. You won’t be losing heat out into the environment.
Proper insulation means your house will remain cool during the summers and warm during the winters. If your home has an attic or a crawl space, there are uninterrupted paths for air to enter or leave your home, which causes more energy consumption and loss.
Properly insulating your home might cost you some money upfront. However, over time, you will save much more on heating and cooling bills in the future.
Reduce Your Trash
Most of our household trash ends up in landfills to rot away and waste. Landfills are also an incredibly large source of greenhouse gas emissions and pollution in our world. Cutting down on the trash you produce and throw away at home can have a significant impact.
Try and recycle or reuse whatever and whenever possible. If you have a waste management program in your locality, it’s recommended to look into it. Most waste management services have facilities to accept or pick up recyclable trash. You can also start collecting wood waste to make your down compost that can be used as fertilizer for your garden.
