A carbon footprint is the footprint left by our daily activities, such as commuting, the food we eat, the clothes we buy and everything we consume. All these actions create emissions. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas (GAG) emitted through these activities. The amount of GAG emitted correlates to the size of your footprint.
To reduce these emissions and your carbon footprint, here is how you can adopt more sustainable practices into our everyday life.
Clothing
- Visit upcycled stores and recycle clothing when possible
- When buying clothes, look for responsibly made and sustainably sourced material
Food Consumption
- Consume local and seasonal products. Support your local market as it will be fresher, and it is a fun choice for the weekend
- Reduce your meat consumption
- Take reusable shopping bags
- Purchase only what you need
Transportation
- Cycle, ride share or use public transport
- Electric Vehicles are increasing in popularity as it lowers a car’s maintenance, and no fuel is needed
- Purchase a carbon neutral flight. It is a small fee, but will off-set this mode of transport
Energy and waste
- Reduce time in the shower
- Turn off the water while you brush your teeth or clean the dishes
- Unplug your electronic equipment, standby uses energy, and don’t leave your phone on charge when the battery is already full
- Limit and recycle your waste and compost food waste
- Turn off the lights when leaving a room
- Look into renewable energy options. It may be more affordable than you think
- Installing solar panels the cost could off-set your energy usage
- Look into battery storage to save energy
Energy-Efficient Appliances
- It might be time for you to replace an old fridge as it can eat up large amounts of energy. That includes other devices such as air-conditioner, washing-machine, and further appliances
- When in doubt of which product is appropriate for you in terms of quality, examine the star rating stickers
If we all take small steps, it will lead into a big result; even adopting one or two of these changes will make a difference to your footprint and help us slow the impact our daily lives have on climate change.
