Global carbon dioxide emission has become a major environmental concern. Big corporations and manufacturing industries are usually blamed for this. However, the amount of carbon footprint from individuals does no favor to the environment. A US study, for instance, revealed that residential energy alone contributes 20% to greenhouse gas emissions. With many daily decisions affecting the planet, consider the four remarkable ways to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Don’t drive
Besides driving, you can use other modes of transportation. For instance, you can bike or walk to completely decrease how much carbon emissions you produce. These options aren’t just good for the environment but very beneficial to your physical health. You can also join public transport or carpool to produce fewer carbon emissions when traveling longer distances. If you must drive, consider using electric vehicles since they emit no greenhouse gas and can be charged at home. EVs are growing increasingly popular as more people are shifting from gasoline-powered vehicles.
- Alter your diet
Food can have a big environmental impact. Meat and dairy, for instance, take a lot of water, land, and energy to produce. The process also releases a large amount of methane, a greenhouse gas. Additionally, food delivered from outside depletes much more resources than local crops. You can make a major difference by eating a more plant-based diet or smaller animal products, particularly red meat. Buying from local farmers can also support the local economy. You can also plan your meal to save leftovers and only purchase what you need to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Lower your water usage
Water processing and delivery require energy and resources. It also takes a lot of energy to heat it once it’s there. You can reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment by using water conservation habits like turning off the water when brushing your teeth, taking brief showers instead of baths, and boiling what you need. You can also harvest rainwater to indirectly reduce your carbon emission. Natural rainwater that falls on your roof goes into your tank by gravity. And you can use energy-efficient gravity systems to pump them when required. The less mains water you use, the less power you will require to generate them. Hence, if you can utilize as much rainwater as feasible, you may improve your environmental sustainability.
- Cut back on data consumption
According to data estimates, the carbon output from the internet, devices, and systems that support them accounts for an estimated 3.7% of global greenhouse gases. For instance, a single hour of video calling produces up to 1,000g of CO2, between two and twelve liters of fresh water, and a land mass about the size of an iPad. However, turning off your video can reduce this by over 90%. A video call adds to the call’s data weight, and providers require larger servers to process this additional data, consuming more energy. So, regarding the environment, you’re perfectly justified in turning off your video camera during your next conversation.