Every time you drive, buy food that hasn't been grown in your area, or leave the lights on when you're not at home, you increase your carbon footprint. environment. Impact refers to those activities that increase the level of gases such as carbon dioxide (or carbon dioxide) and methane in the atmosphere. These gases, also known as greenhouse gases, are affecting our environment due to the greenhouse effect. It may seem difficult to reduce our footprint, but we must remember that it is really worth it. Fortunately, here is a guide that gives you tips to make it easier. Go to Step 1 to start doing your part.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Increase energy efficiency in the home
Step 1. Replace traditional bulbs with compact fluorescent ones, which save up to 2/3 more energy than other bulbs
By using these bulbs you can reduce your footprint, however you need to remember that some fluorescents contain mercury. At the time of purchase check that the label says they are low in mercury.
Step 2. Improve the thermal insulation of your home
A great way to save energy is to minimize heat loss. Make sure the walls are well insulated, and consider double-glazing the windows. This might be a little expensive, but you will save money in the long run.
Also apply silicone or insulation strips around windows and doors. In this way you reduce drafts, and make the heating and cooling system of the house more efficient
Step 3. Beware of electrical and electronic appliances
Buy appliances with a high energy rating, and be sure to unplug when you are not using them. Look for the Energy Star wording on the appliance you want to buy, it indicates high energy efficiency. Whatever the energy class of your appliances, it is a good idea to unplug when they are not in use.
If you always forget to unplug them, you can use a power strip. You plug the appliances into the power strip, and you can unplug them all by simply turning it off
Step 4. Consider Alternative Energy Sources Solar, hydro and wind are all excellent sources of alternative energy
Some power companies will give you the option of having green energy such as solar or wind. If your company doesn't offer this option, don't give up! You can mount a solar panel and even build a wind turbine.
Step 5. Let the clothes dry in the open air
Instead of using the dryer every time you do laundry, let the clothes dry in the sun.
Method 2 of 5: Food respecting the environment
Step 1. Buy local products
One of the largest producers of CO2 is the food industry. If you really want to reduce your footprint, be sure to buy products that don't require long transportation. Shop at the local market and organic food stores that offer produce from local growers.
Also commit to buying only seasonal products. If you want strawberries in the middle of winter, think about the fact that the ones you will find must come from who knows where. Buy seasonal products
Step 2. Grow your own garden
Your vegetable garden is truly zero-kilometer! If you have the time and space to do this, you should really consider growing a garden. Grow plants you know you want to eat. If you use a lot of basil why don't you grow it yourself? And if you find yourself with some surplus product you can donate it to the food bank or some local charity.
Step 3. Don't eat too many red meats
Avoid beef that comes from afar in particular. Incredible as it may seem, farms produce 18% of greenhouse gas emissions. Methane is a big problem related to cattle farming. This doesn't mean you don't have to eat red meats anymore, but maybe you could limit them to special occasions. When buying beef, make sure it comes from free-range, grass-fed animals, a type of farming that reduces emissions and is better for the animals themselves.
Step 4. Buy food with less packaging
This way you reduce the amount of waste you will have to dispose of. If you have a choice between a crate of apples wrapped in plastic and loose apples you choose and put in a reusable bag, get the latter.
Method 3 of 5: Traveling while saving energy
Step 1. Discover environmentally friendly means of transport
Use public transport or car sharing with colleagues whenever you can. If you have enough time and don't have to go too far, go by bike (you'll get back in shape too!) Or walk.
Step 2. Reduce your footprint when driving
You may not know, but some driving habits affect the amount of CO2 emitted by the car. Accelerating smoothly, maintaining a constant speed and anticipating stops and starts helps to save a lot of CO2 in a year.
If you know you will need to drive frequently, and finances allow it, consider buying a hybrid
Step 3. Have your car checked often
Make sure all filters (fuel, air, oil) are replaced when needed. If the car is running efficiently, the emission control systems do their job best.
Make sure that the tire pressure is optimal, this way you will have an efficient fuel consumption
Step 4. Choose the bus or train whenever you can
If you're traveling relatively far, and time permits, travel by bus or train instead of flying. Airplanes produce a lot of CO2. By choosing alternative means of making long journeys you can reduce your environmental impact.
If you can't help but take the plane, look for a direct flight, which does not require connections. This way, in addition to reducing your footprint, you will also make a smoother journey
Method 4 of 5: Reuse and Recycle
Step 1. Buy new items only when you really need them
This applies to clothing, food, household items. Buy new things only when needed. Every time a cotton t-shirt is produced or a bunch of bananas is transported, energy is consumed. When you need to buy something, try to buy on the spot. Shipments increase your footprint - for example a 2.5kg package shipped across the US by air will produce 5.5kg of CO2. The next time you are about to make an online purchase ask yourself if you can find the same item in your area instead.
Step 2. Reuse old materials and furniture
Instead of throwing things in the landfill, where they produce methane, try to reuse what you can. Instead of eliminating a chair or armchair, put a new upholstery on it. You can also reuse or sell your old clothes.
Step 3. Learn how garbage collection works in your area
You need to know what is possible to recycle and what is not, so inquire about the rules in your area. Rinse the items before putting them in the recycling bins. Recycle glass, aluminum and paper.
Step 4. Build a container or compost pile
Kitchen waste can be used for the garden or vegetable garden. Compost enriches the soil and cleans it if it is polluted. It reduces the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and even water.
Step 5. Find out where to dispose of old cell phones and batteries
There should be a place in your city, an ecological island, to dispose of the batteries. You can do a search online to find out. The batteries can also be taken to electronics and appliance stores, shopping centers, and large supermarkets provided with the appropriate containers. Take the old cell phone to the ecological island, to the store where you bought it or to another electronics store.
Step 6. Know where to dispose of electronic equipment that cannot simply be placed in the container with the other items
Method 5 of 5: Reduce Water Consumption
Step 1. Take short showers
A short shower not only saves water, but also the energy needed to heat it. Remember that taking a bath requires a lot more water than a short shower.
You can buy a water-saving shower head that will help you run the water only when it's needed. According to National Geographic, if you use such a shower head during a ten-minute shower you can save about 56 liters of water
Step 2. Operate the washing machine and dishwasher only when fully loaded
About 22% of domestic water consumption is due to washing clothes. Use these appliances only when necessary (i.e. when they are full). Make sure you always select the most appropriate program - if you have to use the washing machine before it is full choose the option for "small or" medium "load.
Step 3. Check often for leaks
A lot of water is wasted due to leaks in the water system. Do regular maintenance of the pipes, check for leaks, and if you find any, repair the damage immediately so as to waste as little water as possible.
Step 4. When designing your garden take into consideration the type of climate you live in
The green lawn is not suitable for all types of climates. To save water, put plants in your garden that are suitable for living in the climate in which you are. You will find that you won't need to do too much garden work, which means you'll save water and energy.
Step 5. Don't wash your car too often
Washing a midsize car requires about 570 liters of water, which is a huge amount. Try washing your car less. Take her to a car wash, which uses less water than an individual washing the car at home needs. Car washes must discharge dirty water into sewers, not rainwater drains, thus reducing the impact on the marine environment.
Advice
- To calculate your carbon footprint visit https://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx, fill out the form and write down the result.
- There are many other little things you can do, such as using recyclable shopping bags instead of plastic ones. This is good for the environment, although it doesn't really affect the amount of carbon dioxide much.
