When we burn fossil fuels, such as coal or liquefied petroleum gas, we release carbon dioxide and other gases into the atmosphere. These emissions trap heat close to the earth causing the "greenhouse effect". The increase in the Earth's temperature has led to a rise in sea levels, extremely violent storms and other problems whose origin is to be found in climate change. If all men worked together to drive less cars, conserve more electricity and produce less waste, they would be able to reduce their carbon footprint and help fight global warming.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Reduce Your Ecological Footprint
Step 1. Try to understand the size of your greenhouse gas footprint
An individual's so-called "carbon footprint" defines the amount of gas a person produces and releases into the atmosphere as a result of their daily habits. The more fossil fuel you burn to meet your needs, the bigger your ecological footprint. For example, a worker who commutes by bicycle has a smaller carbon footprint than that of a commuter who travels by car.
To understand the impact of your habits on the environment, you can use a free online calculator. Travel habits, consumption habits, eating habits and many other factors must be taken into account to calculate how many greenhouse gases you emit into the atmosphere
Step 2. Find ways to reduce your carbon footprint
Since you are concerned about how to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, then you need to find strategies to reduce your carbon footprint to minimum levels. Reflect on those aspects of your daily life that can improve and work to make changes in the long run. Even small lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
For example, eating meat every day can have a very large ecological footprint, as the process of offering you this food (from pasture to your table) requires a great deal of energy and fuel. Join the "Meatless Monday" initiative or avoid consuming it for a while to reduce your share of greenhouse gases
Step 3. Know that changing your lifestyle is only the first step
People who, like you, want to work to reduce greenhouse gases can make a big difference; but to ensure that your actions become effective globally, so that warming ceases to be a danger, it is important to make your voice heard and to work so that companies also adhere to this project and reduce their emissions. Research has shown that only 90 companies are responsible for two thirds of greenhouse gases emitted. Look for ways to combat this phenomenon that go far beyond changing your personal habits.
- For example, you can write to the European Environment Agency to request that the air pollution generated by existing power plants be limited.
- Next time you have to vote in an election, pick the candidate most committed to reducing your city's emissions and fighting global warming.
Method 2 of 4: Reconsider Means of Transportation
Step 1. Drive your car less often
Car-related gas emissions are among the biggest contributors to global warming. Car manufacturing, road construction, fuel extraction and, of course, gasoline combustion are all factors that play an important role in the production of greenhouse gases. Although a complete suspension of machine use is neither conceivable nor practicable, you can work hard to find ways to use it less and this is one of the simplest actions you can take to reduce your ecological footprint.
- Instead of driving to the grocery store every day, do one big weekly grocery shopping with everything you need.
- Share the car trip with other people on their way to school or work.
- Whenever you need to go somewhere, consider if there is a way to get there without using the car.
Step 2. Take the bus, subway or train
These means of transport also produce polluting gases, but since they carry more people, they are more efficient than private cars. Familiarize yourself with the city bus network, metro and rail routes, so make the effort to use public transport at least once a week. Do everything you can to make the most of them. In the end you might even like it more!
- If there is no reliable public transport system in your city, attend city council meetings and discuss the problem.
- If there are other people in the city who show the same interest in the environment as you, all together you will make a difference.
Step 3. Bike or walk more often
Using your energy to move makes you feel good, you can also feel comfortable because it is a completely ecological means of transport. Whenever you have to go to a place that is only a few kilometers away, you can consider going there on foot or by bicycle instead of by other means. Obviously it will take longer, but this way you can reflect and enjoy the world around you during the walk.
- Try to walk to any location within a five-minute drive of your home.
- Take advantage of the bike paths. If your city does not have a network of dedicated bike routes, you can write a letter to the local newspaper, participate in city councils or collaborate with a group of cyclists and pedestrians to improve the safety of those who travel by bicycle.
Step 4. Keep the machine in good condition
If you neglect the efficiency of your car, it will eventually produce more greenhouse gases. Have it checked for exhaust gas once a year and, if it fails, promptly repair it. Here are other details you need to consider to ensure the full efficiency of the vehicle and reduce its environmental impact:
- Refuel early in the morning or late in the evening when the outside temperature is lower; by doing so you reduce the amount of fuel that evaporates due to the heat of the day.
- Use an engine oil that improves the efficiency of the vehicle.
- When you go to the fast-food restaurant, do not use the take-away service which allows you not to get out of the car (thus keeping the engine running). Instead, choose to park and walk inside the restaurant.
- Check that the tires are inflated to the correct pressure.
Method 3 of 4: Saving Electricity and Energy
Step 1. Turn off the lights and appliances
The electricity that powers these devices is generated by power plants that emit greenhouse gases. Try to use lighting, appliances, and anything that runs on electricity as little as possible to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Rely on natural light during the day, open the blinds and let the sun light up the room. By doing so you are not forced to turn on the lamps.
- Turn off the TV when you are not using it, instead of keeping it on as "background".
- Turn off your computer when you are done using it.
Step 2. Unplug unused appliances
Even when they are turned off, electrical devices absorb energy simply by being connected to the home network. Take a tour of the house and unplug the electrical outlets in the kitchen, bedroom, living room, and so on. The charger of the mobile phone also draws energy when it is plugged into the socket.
Step 3. Rely on high-efficiency large appliances
Large appliances commonly found in all homes are responsible for most of a household's electricity consumption. If yours are quite old, you should replace them with high efficiency ones. This will save you money on your bills and decrease your greenhouse gas production. Consider if you can replace the following appliances with more efficient models:
- Fridge;
- Oven and stove;
- Microwave;
- Dishwasher;
- Washing machine;
- Dryer;
- Conditioner.
Step 4. Review your home heating and air conditioning habits
Cooling and heating systems are the other major energy-consuming elements of a home. For this reason you should find ways to limit its use. In addition to getting high-efficiency systems, try these strategies:
- During the winter, set the thermostat to 20 ° C, while during the summer it does not drop below 26 ° C.
- Let your body adapt naturally to the climate, so you can stay longer without heating in winter and without air conditioning in summer. Wear warm sweaters and slippers in the winter and use a fan in the summer.
- When you leave the house, turn off the heat or air conditioner so you don't waste energy while you're away.
Step 5. Limit your consumption of hot water
A large amount of energy is required to heat the water for the shower and bath. Take short showers and try to reduce the number of times you bathe, as it takes far more water to fill a tub than a shower does.
- You can limit the amount of hot water by setting the water heater to 50 ° C, so it never gets too hot for no reason.
- Set the washing machine to the minimum useful temperature; it is also a useful measure to avoid damaging clothes.
Method 4 of 4: Changing Your Eating Habits
Step 1. Eat less meat
If you can't become fully vegetarian, at least try to limit your meat intake to a few days a week or a few meals. The meat industry uses a lot of energy to raise livestock, process meat and prevent it from spoiling, all before it reaches your table. Growing vegetables requires less energy.
- Buy the meat at a local farm.
- Consider raising chickens, so you have meat and eggs at your disposal! However, be sure to check the relevant local regulations.
Step 2. Prepare your meals from scratch
Instead of buying pre-cooked, prepackaged foods, which take a lot of energy to produce, try to cook most of your meals completely. For example, if you want a tomato sauce for dinner, make it with fresh tomatoes and garlic instead of buying the one from the jar. This is good for the environment and good for your health too!
If you really want to produce entirely what you eat, you can even grow tomatoes and garlic
Step 3. Learn to create the things you need yourself
The industrial production of goods that must be packaged and shipped to reach store shelves is one of the major causes of greenhouse gas emissions; by learning to self-produce most of the things you need, you can avoid all of this. There is no need to live in the "house on the prairie", but you can consider producing some goods instead of buying them. Here are some suggestions:
- Make the soap;
- Shampoo;
- Make your own toothpaste;
- Make a deodorant;
- If you are really ambitious, learn how to make your own clothes.
Step 4. Buy zero kilometer products
If something is made or manufactured close to your home, it means that there are no gas emissions from being transported to the local store. Buy food that is grown and raised locally, as well as other commodities, to reduce your ecological footprint. Here are some ideas:
- Go shopping at the farmer's market;
- Limit online shopping, as shipping always requires the use of multiple means of transport;
- Go for local shops.
Step 5. Choose products with little packaging
The plastic, cardboard and paper used for packaging are produced in large factories that release enormous quantities of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere; for this reason, limit your contribution to all this as much as possible.
- For example, if you need to buy rice, buy it in "family size" packs or in bulk, rather than in many small boxes.
- Take reusable bags with you when you go shopping, instead of buying plastic bags every time.
- Choose fresh products in bulk, rather than frozen or canned ones.
Step 6. Reuse, recycle and compost
These are three perfect ways to reduce the production of household waste and therefore limit your environmental impact. Once you get used to these green strategies, you will never want to throw something away again.
- Anything that is made of glass can be reused countless times. Remember that reusing plastic too much is not always possible, as it degrades and contaminates food over time.
- Follow the city regulations regarding the separate collection and recycling of glass, paper, plastic and other waste.
- Compost with food scraps and garden plant material. Put them in the bin reserved for them or pile them up. Mix everything every few weeks to speed up the decomposition process.
