Reduce Your Carbon FootprintReduce Your Carbon Footprint
The choices we make in our everyday lives affect the environment in many ways. Whether we’re cooking dinner, flying for vacation or shopping, every decision leaves a carbon footprint behind.
The size of your footprint depends on a variety of factors, including the energy and transportation you use, your diet and waste disposal habits. Learn how to reduce your impact with our guide.
How to calculate your carbon footprint
One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to measure and keep track of it. A carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that you produce in your daily life, from transportation to energy use.
You can calculate your carbon footprint manually using a worksheet or by using an online calculator. The ideal count should be anywhere between 6,000 and 15,999 pounds yearly, but any more than that is too high and you should consider taking steps to reduce your carbon footprint.
For businesses, measuring and interpreting their carbon footprint can be a great way to identify cost and carbon-saving opportunities. For instance, businesses that work with physical products may have a large freight transportation footprint, so finding ways to bring that down could be a win for the environment as well as the business.
Companies can also do their part by offsetting their emissions, which means investing in projects that absorb the same amount of CO2e that they are responsible for releasing. Offsetting is a way to help slow down climate change and protect forests that naturally store carbon.
What is a carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are caused by your energy usage, travel, shopping and waste production. It is calculated by converting your annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into tons of CO2 equivalent.
Carbon dioxide is one of the main greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and climate change. It is produced by the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas, as well as by agricultural and industrial activities.
When it comes to your personal carbon footprint, there are several ways you can reduce your emissions. You can choose to use less electricity, heat your home more efficiently, and opt for a green power supplier.
Another way to reduce your carbon footprint is by avoiding products that have high environmental impacts. This is particularly true when evaluating the packaging of some items, such as bottles and food cartons.
What can I do to reduce my carbon footprint?
Taking action to reduce your carbon footprint is an easy and convenient way to help combat climate change. It also saves you money, avoids traffic and pollution, improves air quality, and promotes a healthier lifestyle.
You can start by reducing the amount of energy you use at home and in your business. You can insulate areas like lofts and walls to conserve energy, switch your light bulbs to CFLs or LEDs, and use lower flow showerheads and toilets.
The type of food you eat, and the distance it has to travel to get to you, will also contribute to your carbon footprint. Eating local means you will eat less energy-intensive food that has been grown and shipped fewer miles from the farm to your table.
Choosing a car that is more fuel efficient, using public transport as much as possible and driving less are all important ways to decrease your carbon footprint. And if you must fly, consider flying closer to your destination and taking shorter trips.
How can I reduce my carbon footprint?
There are a number of ways that you can reduce your carbon footprint, from eating fewer animal products, to shopping locally, to travelling smart. These small changes can add up to huge results in the fight against climate change.
If you travel, consider flying less often and choosing public transport instead. The carbon emissions from a flight are much higher than those from a car or train, and they require a lot of petrol to run efficiently.
You could also advocate for the use of video conferencing technology in your work place, which can significantly reduce the need to travel for business purposes.
Your energy consumption at home can be reduced by reducing your heating and cooling, switching to LED light bulbs and energy-efficient appliances, and using less water. Keeping your computer and other electronic devices turned off when not in use can help too.