The average carbon footprint for an American is 16 tons. As well as being one of the highest rates in the world, it’s four times the global average of four tons.
To have the best shot at avoiding a 2°C global temperature rise, experts warn that we need to get this figure down to two tons per person. But this will mean everyone on the planet making an effort and switching to more sustainable practices.
Wondering how to reduce your carbon footprint? Let’s take a look at some of the best ways!
1. Walk Short Distances
One of the disadvantages of electric cars is that people think that they’re doing their bit by scrapping their old wheels and buying a new vehicle. Sure, electric cars are more sustainable than gas-powered cars. But the manufacturing and transportation of these vehicles and the electricity they use still produce emissions.
In truth, walking is the only true zero waste form of transport. With this in mind, try to use your own two feet as much as possible. Especially if you’re only heading somewhere within a couple of miles of your home.
2. Reset Your Thermostat
Why reduce your carbon footprint, or even try to if it barely makes a difference on the grand scale of things? Many people think this way, and it’s understandable when you consider how much big businesses contribute to the planet’s total carbon footprint. But green living can help you save money, too.
If your heating and cooling bills are always going up, reset your thermostat to see what a difference it makes. Experts recommend a winter setting of 68°F if you’re at home and 62°F at night or when you’re out. And in summer, set it to 78°F when you’re in and a few degrees higher when you’re out.
3. Buy Less
Sustainable brands and labels might fool you into thinking that buying their clothes, electronic goods, and other products will reduce your environmental impact. But the most sustainable option is to buy less stuff. It’s also the cheapest option.
From old electronics to fast fashion, we all throw away tons of waste every year. So, before you buy anything, try to think long and hard about whether you really need it or not, whether you already have something similar, and how much use you’ll get out of this new purchase.
4. Change Your Diet
Switching to a plant-based diet might be too extreme for some. But you can make a significant environmental impact with a few simple changes to your existing diet and food shopping habits.
For a start, try to buy local food as much as possible. As well as reducing food transportation emissions, this helps support your local economy. Another way to save money and avoid waste is to only buy what you need, or freeze products before they have the chance to go off.
And, you should take steps to cut back on meat, especially beef. Once they start cutting back, people often find that it’s cheaper and easier than they expected to reduce their meat consumption.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Attempting to minimize the environmental impact your everyday actions have on the planet’s future can feel overwhelming.
But, with these tips to guide you, it should now be a lot easier to reduce your carbon footprint and make a real difference to our planet’s future.
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