With the threat of climate change looming, it’s never been more important to do what we can to protect the planet. And while one person’s efforts to reduce emissions can’t change the world, they do set a good example.
This leads to more people making positive changes until taking steps toward a healthier world becomes the norm.
Best of all, reducing your carbon footprint isn’t as difficult as you might think! It’s not about rearranging your entire life. Small, simple changes make the largest impact.
To learn how to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment, just keep reading!
1. Seal Your Home
One of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon emissions is to ensure that your home is sealed well against the elements.
There are two options here. One is to request a professional from your local electric company to do an energy audit. The other is to go the DIY route, inspecting your home for potential leaks yourself.
Doing it yourself isn’t difficult; all you have to do is check the windows and doors for air leaks. When you spot a drafty area, make a note that you need to add weather stripping or a storm door.
2. Drive Less
We all know that exercise is key to a healthy, energetic life, but how many of us actually get the amount we need?
Well, what better way to knock out your recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise than by biking or walking instead of driving? You can improve your health while reducing your carbon emissions!
Any time it’s safe and realistic to do so, skip the car. Your body will thank you! If you can’t bike or walk to your destination, consider public transportation or carpooling.
3. Buy Local Food
Believe it or not, even your food choices have an impact on your carbon footprint. Now, you don’t have to switch to a full-blown plant-based diet if you don’t want to. But consider reducing the amount of meat, especially red meat, that you consume.
Not only is it healthier for you, but it reduces greenhouse gas emissions created by processing meat and dairy products.
If you do buy meat or dairy products, why not buy from your local farmer’s market? You’ll get higher-quality products and support your community at the same time!
4. Use Renewable Energy
For many people, switching to renewable energy isn’t possible to do overnight. However, more and more energy companies are providing renewable options to their customers such as wind and hydroelectric energy.
Also, keep in mind that, while installing solar panels on your home is an investment, they’ll pay for themselves! There’s no harm in contacting your local residential solar provider for an estimate – you never know, it could cost less to purchase solar panels than you think.
5. Go Energy-Efficient
If you don’t already own energy-efficient appliances, there’s no need to spend a fortune replacing them all at once. Instead, as they require replacement, choose energy-efficient options.
While you wait, make small changes to your habits. Ensure that you turn off all lights when you leave a room, wash your clothes in cold water, and use power strips instead of plugging directly into outlets. In doing so, you can turn the strip off when you’re not using it and prevent unnecessary energy drain.
Reduce Emissions to Do Your Part for the Planet
The efforts of a single person might seem meaningless, but if everyone did a little to reduce emissions, the effect would be enormous. And when you do your part for the planet, you benefit as well!
Not only do you have cleaner air and a healthier Earth for your children, but you also have the opportunity to live a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Interested in learning more ways you can help the planet and live a healthier lifestyle? Take a look at our blog!