Global warming affects everyone and our simple tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint will not only help save the planet, but help you save a few dollars too! We have researched the best ways to be environmentally savvy with your car, home and in your day-to-day life.
You don’t need to be a scientist to understand the damage greenhouse gases are doing to our beautiful planet, but we know it can be hard to understand the finer details. We have given you all the information you need to know about the rising problem and what you can do to help.
What is Carbon?
Understanding carbon can be tricky. To keep it simple, carbon is an element and exists in pure or almost pure forms (like diamonds) but it can also be combined with other elements to form molecules. These molecules are basic building blocks for almost every living thing on earth, including humans, animals, trees and soil.
Why are Greenhouse Gases Bad?
Greenhouse gases trap and hold heat in our atmosphere. When heat levels increase in our atmosphere our planet suffers the consequences, which is called global warming.
Carbon dioxide is one of the significant causes for increased greenhouse gases. Natural processes such as volcanic activity, decomposition and wildfires have always contributed to greenhouse gas levels. However, human activity has largely made the situation worse.
How Do I Reduce My Carbon Footprint?
Car
On the road: you can save more than a ton of carbon dioxide by driving the speed limit, maintaining a steady speed and by slowly decreasing and increasing your speed.
Maintaining your car: by keeping your cars tyres properly inflated and by regularly servicing your car, including changing fuel and oil, you can drastically reduce your carbon dioxide admissions.
Walk or ride a bike: if your destination is a short walk or bike ride away, leave your car at home and get fit at the same time!
Home
Heating & Cooling: by ensuring your home is insulated and your heating and cooling systems are regularly tuned, they will not only work more economically but will be more energy efficient too.
Appliances: when buying new household appliances, check the ENERGY STAR label (check out energystar.gov) to see how energy efficient the product is.
Energy: consider solar panels or purchasing (or building) an energy-efficient house to reduce your carbon footprint, and lower your power bills too!
Lifestyle
Recycle: whether it is at home, or at work, use recycled paper and products and recycle according to your local council guidelines.
Food Wastage: increased rubbish in landfills causes methane gas to be released into the environment. Only cook as much as you need and reuse any leftovers for lunch the next day.
Buy Local: shipping burns fuels which releases carbon dioxide, plus buying locally means you can walk to your local shops or markets.
For more ways to reduce your carbon footprint, visit carbonfund.org.
