The digital era and the industrial revolution have brought about various environmental problems that we must address. Global warming, a result of greenhouse gas emissions, is the most concerning. We all must take the necessary steps to reduce the carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions we create; our carbon footprint.
So, if you’ve been wondering, “how can I make my home green?” We have the answers. This article will provide tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint at home.
What is a carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases an individual produces when going about their daily activities. Each person generates these greenhouse gases. This emission can be at home, at work, and while commuting to and from work.
At-home energy usage for heating systems, electrical appliances, and air conditioning increase carbon footprints. Similarly, cars and air travel do so as well. The more energy efficient we are, the smaller our carbon footprint is.
How to reduce your carbon footprint at home
Gas emissions are inevitable. However, we can actively play a role in reducing our carbon footprint. We can do so by:
Be energy efficient
The best way to reduce your carbon footprint is to convert your home to an energy-efficient dwelling space.
To increase your home’s energy efficiency the most simple of steps is to replace standard incandescent light bulbs with those that consume less energy like LEDs. This reduces household emissions and energy consumption. You can further enhance this by purchasing energy-efficient appliances.
However, if you cannot purchase new appliances, simply remove the plug from the power outlet when it is not in use. This will reduce energy consumption.
Install solar panels
Installing solar panels will make a significant difference in reducing your carbon footprint. Solar panels can provide electricity as well as hot and warm water. They use heat from the sun and transform it into electricity. Solar power reduces emissions while also helping you save money on energy bills.
Burning fossil fuels is the primary source of carbon emissions. Therefore, replacing them with renewable energy, such as solar power, will reduce your carbon footprint.
Make a lifestyle change – the fashion industry
Firstly, the fashion industry is known to create massive greenhouse gas emissions. The World Economic Forum found the fashion industry to be one of the world’s biggest creators of greenhouse gas emissions. As of 2018, the fashion industry created 4% of global carbon dioxide emissions.
So, the lifestyle choice to be made here is opting for sustainable and eco-friendly clothing and garments.
By doing so, you reduce your carbon footprint and also urge companies to opt for energy-efficient practices. These include using renewable energy instead of fossil fuels.
Reduce your carbon footprint through your food choices
One-quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions result from food and agriculture. This includes a variety of stages between the producer and ultimately, the consumer. Greenhouse gas emissions are created during food processing, transport, packaging, and retail.
Opting for local foods and farm to table produce does contribute to reducing your carbon footprint.
Food chain emissions create carbon emissions. However, food wastage creates the largest problem. Food waste and losses are responsible for 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
You can reduce your carbon footprint at home regarding food wastage by opting for organic and local produce. This means less meat and reducing the amount of waste you generate. Also, less processed foods and sustainable packaging should reduce your carbon footprint.
Commuting and your carbon footprint
Cars create a large amount of carbon dioxide and other harmful gases. Therefore, by reducing the use of your car for commuting, especially when traffic is at its highest you will in turn reduce your carbon footprint at home and at large. You can significantly reduce your carbon footprint by opting for other methods.
This includes public transportation, carpooling, walking, or cycling. Public transport mainly consists of eco-friendly vehicles.
If you must use your car to travel then the best way to reduce your environmental impact is to purchase a hybrid or electric vehicle. These types of vehicles are energy efficient and do not emit toxic fumes.
Purchase carbon offsets
If you still think you are leaving a rather large carbon footprint at home, inevitably, you can buy carbon offsets. A carbon offset is a credit a person can buy to decrease their carbon footprint while investing the offset income in environmental projects.
Conclusion: how to reduce your carbon footprint at home
Reducing one’s carbon footprint is not that hard. You can reduce your carbon footprint by changing some of your lifestyle choices.
This includes using public transport, not overusing the air conditioner, or using warm water instead of hot water.
You can also opt for sustainable clothing and local or organic foods. To further reduce your carbon footprint you must make some functional changes to your home to make it energy efficient.
This includes using natural gas or installing solar panels to make your home fuel efficient.
