12 Easy Ways to Help the Environment and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Dec 08, 2021
iCrowdMarketing powered by iCrowdNewswire
The science that underlies climate change can make it seem like an overwhelming challenge. But there are simple ways we can all do our part to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet every day.Here are twelve easy ways to help the environment.
1. Use Energy Efficient Appliances
Making enhancements to your home can reduce the overconsumption of water and power. Appliances such as an electronic smart toilet and bidet will help to lessen the amount of water you use. Not only that, but with its heated dryer in the seat, it could completely eliminate the need for the purchase and use of toilet paper.
2. Eat Less Meat
You might not have believed that eating meat would cause harm to the environment. In fact, about 30% of the world’s land is devoted to raising livestock, which in turn generates 9% of the CO2 released into the air.
Even worse, raising livestock for food generates 65% of human-related nitrous oxide. That gas is 256 times more harmful to the environment than CO2. So you should consider switching to alternatives like plant-based products that are delicious and grown locally.
3. Recycle Correctly
Kudos to you for recycling to lower your carbon footprint. Unfortunately, there’s a possibility you might not be doing it correctly.
Many people tie up various plastic containers into another plastic bag to be tossed into the recycling bin. But certain types of combined plastic materials cannot be recycled.
You may also not be aware that tying up your recyclables into a bag tends to result in its being tossed into a landfill. Make sure you know what qualifies as recyclable by your local service and to place those items into the proper and separate bins.
4. Opt for Reusable Bags
About 1 trillion plastic bags are used each year around the world. Some states such as New York have completely prohibited the circulation of such bags by enforcing a plastic bag ban.
Next time they ask you if you want paper or plastic, how about choosing neither? Try bringing a reusable cloth bag the next time you go to the grocery store or shop for your kid’s school supplies or birthday presents.
5. Get the Right Light Bulbs
Smart light bulbs are an easy and effective way not only to save energy in your home, but can save money on your monthly electric bills, too. For a few extra dollars, you can use up to 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs.
6. Choose Cloth Instead of Paper
Want to help save the trees? Choose cloth instead of paper for an eco-friendly alternative. This can be a great replacement for household items like paper towels as well as your infant’s diapers. The essential part is to reuse whenever you can.
7. Buy Second-hand Goods
There are millions of stores across the world that sell the same items. Instead of buying everything new, why not try purchasing second-hand goods from a local thrift store?
You can make it a fun adventure by checking out local yard sales over the weekend or buying slightly used items from Facebook Marketplace.
8. Borrow Instead of Buy
If you’d like to skip buying altogether, try borrowing things from a friend, family member, or neighbor. There will be certain items you can’t necessarily borrow, of course.
But a great idea would be to partner up with someone you know to share certain items. If one person has a lawnmower and the other a grill, allow each to share with the other instead of purchasing duplicates.
It’s a great way to help the environment while also getting closer to your neighbors!
9. Check Your Water Use
The average household wastes around 9,400 gallons per year. That’s 180 gallons a week! As with smart toilets, you can find other ways to be more efficient with your water use.
Small acts like turning the water off while you brush your teeth or limiting your time in the shower can make a surprising difference.
10. Find Alternatives to Driving
Driving to work every day creates a substantial impact through carbon emissions. This week, try an experiment by replacing the vehicle commute with an alternative.
Call a coworker to carpool. Ride public transit. If you want to get a workout in, ride your bike to the grocery store instead. You might eventually be convinced to ditch the car altogether (but don’t forget to recycle it!).
11. Unplug When You’re Not Using Electronics
After you’ve made a pot of coffee, make sure to unplug the machine. If you’re not charging your phone, take the charger out of the socket. When your electronics and appliances are all plugged in, you’re using more energy than you need (and may realize).
12. Cancel Mail Subscriptions
Are you still getting old magazines in the mail that you mostly throw in recycling? Instead, take a few extra minutes to cancel those old subscriptions.
This goes for your monthly bills, too. Most companies offer paperless billing. If you haven’t made the switch, you should get on board!