Do you know grilling meat, driving your car, and even buying certain fabric can increase carbon dioxide emissions? Luckily, there are several ways to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener planet. While real solutions for carbon footprint reduction require action on a global level, a few day-to-day life choices can also subtly help bring down carbon submissions. Here are a few simple ways to play your part and lower your carbon footprint.

On the Road

You can reduce your carbon footprint and eventually contribute to environmental protection measures by travelling wisely on the road.

1. Drive Less

According to a November 2017 report, carbon dioxide emissions from road transportation are the top source of greenhouse gases. This means considering how often and how much you travel can make a big difference. A 2017 study conducted at the University of British Columbia states that not driving a car for a year can save approximately 26 tonnes of CO2. But let’s be a bit practical here. Although you can’t go carless, make an effort to travel by bike or even on foot whenever possible.

2. Invest in an Electric Car

To reduce emissions, invest in an electric car. Hybrid or plug-in cars boost fuel economy and help lower fuel costs. Also, try not to use air conditioning whenever possible and opt for regular car service to keep your vehicle efficient.

At Home

Certain at-home changes can help you save energy and your precious bucks on electricity expenses.

1. Turn it down

Turn down various electrical appliances when not in use. Switch off lights, geysers, air conditioners, etc., by unplugging them directly from the power outlet. The second option is to put them to sleep. You can also lower the temperature of appliances to save on energy bills.

2. Replace Lights

LEDs, especially Energy Star certified, utilise at least 75% less energy and even last longer than incandescent bulbs or lights. They also emit less heat when compared to incandescent lighting. So, fill up those sockets with energy-efficient bulbs and make a big difference overnight.

3. Choose Optimal Temperatures for Your Devices

Setting your electrical appliances to optimal temperatures will reduce your carbon footprint and help you save money on energy bills. 40°F or below temperatures are recommended for home refrigerators. You can keep freezers between 1°C and 4°C to prevent unwanted freezing.

4. Prefer Renewable Sources

Choose renewable sources of energy to contribute to a greener planet. Be an environmental guardian and prefer solar energy over thermal energy, biogas over fuel and so on. Make a switch today by contacting your local green gas and electric energy supplier.

5. Opt for Energy-Saving Devices

Make sure your devices are energy-efficient. If not, replace them with new ones with Energy Star certification. These devices help in environmental preservation and protection while allowing you to save money on utility bills.

6. Recycle

In 2018, the United Kingdom generated 222.2 million tonnes of total waste, with England being the major contributor. Much of this waste can be recycled instead of ending up in landfills. Well, some of the simplest measures you can take to recycle include:

• Make sure to buy recyclable products.
• Recycle paper, tin cans, glass and every other material that can be reused.
• Wash food containers before recycling.
• Donate old clothes, shoes and other such staples.
• Recycle broken electronics, dry cell batteries, car batteries, etc.
• Don’t recycle broken glass, used syringes, propane cylinders and the like.

7. Eat Wisely

Cutting out some meat from your daily diet can help reduce your personal greenhouse gas emissions. But that doesn’t mean you should replace meat with dairy. The best is to go vegan. While most greenhouse gas emissions occur during the production of food staples than during transportation, it is wise to eat organic produce brought from a local farmer’s market.

Conclusion

Apart from using energy-saving appliances, insulate your house to lower your carbon footprint at home. Plant more trees, use thermal binds and opt for green roofing. Check the energy-efficiency rating of your doors and windows and get them replaced if required. These steps will not only lower your carbon footprint but will also make you a nature guardian.