5 Ridiculously Simple Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

With the rise in carbon emissions and climate change progressing at an alarming rate, more people are turning to renewable energy as an avenue for more sustainable living. Thanks to government initiatives like solar incentives and investments in renewable energy research, we know that leaders are taking steps to encourage a transition to more sustainable energy options. 

But are you doing your part? 

Reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change is going to take an all “hands on deck” approach and everyone needs to play a part at the national, local and individual level.

Here are some simple but mighty ways that you can start reducing your carbon footprint today and help your community move towards a healthier and more sustainable way of life.

But first… what are carbon emissions exactly?

Carbon emissions, also known as greenhouse gas emissions, occur when various amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide are released into the atmosphere from product manufacturing and various everyday activities. 

Driving your car to work, heating your home, and disposing waste all emit carbon emissions. These emissions are released into the air and act as a barrier, keeping sunlight and heat trapped in Earth’s atmosphere instead of releasing back into space. This leads to an overall rise in the earth’s temperature, called global warming, and leads to climate change.

These emissions create air pollution, which lead to poor individual health outcomes and damaged ecosystems.

What can you do to reduce your carbon emissions?

Once you become aware of where your carbon emissions come from, you can take informed steps to begin reducing them. Here are some ideas:

1. Go solar!

Solar energy is a renewable energy resource that is growing in popularity. Thanks to the photovoltaic technology in solar panels that allows them to convert energy from sunlight, solar energy is a cleaner, cost-effective alternative to non-renewable energy.

Although rooftop solar is one way to harness the sun’s energy for your power needs, community solar is another option for anyone who may not have the financial means or proper infrastructure to host solar panels on their own. Subscribing to a solar farm gives users access to solar energy and helps them save money on their utility bills thanks to the solar credits from their subscription. You can read more on how you can benefit from community solar here.

2. Re-think your transportation choices

The transportation sector is responsible for the majority of carbon emissions in the U.S, producing about 28% of total greenhouse gas emissions.

The consistent burning of fossil fuels to power cars, trucks, and other modes of transportation continues to release carbon dioxide and other toxic gases into the air, thereby worsening our climate change problem.

Electric vehicles show promise as a viable alternative for transportation thanks to their battery storage potential. Their high purchase price might deter some potential consumers; however, government tax incentives and changes in battery costs could increase affordability in the near future.

Other simple but effective options would be to opt for public transportation as much as possible and make a conscious effort to walk wherever you can, benefiting the environment and your health!

 3. Reduce food waste

Waste materials, like food scraps, decompose differently when buried in landfills. They are unable to decompose normally without oxygen. This leads to the release of the greenhouse gas methane, which is the second biggest contributor to global warming behind carbon dioxide.

In America, almost 40% of the food we grow is thrown away. On an individual level this can be combated by being mindful of the food you buy and using lists to keep track of what you have and what you need. Storing food, especially produce, correctly can greatly reduce food waste as well. 

One of the best ways to cut down on your food waste is to compost. Composting is easy, free, and creates fantastic soil for gardening. Vegetable and fruit scraps, coffee grounds, egg shells, and paper products can all be composted. Find out more about composting and reducing food waste from the EPA here.

 4. Be smart and efficient about your energy usage

Optimizing the efficiency in your home can go a long way in helping to reduce your carbon footprint.

Some steps you can take to make your home or business more energy-efficient include but are not limited to: switching to energy-efficient appliances (with an Energy Star label), unplugging electronics when they are not in use, and investing in battery-operated appliances and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.

Utilizing a heat pump water heater is also beneficial as it transfers heat instead of generating it directly, helping save energy.

Essentially, by adopting an energy-efficient lifestyle, you rely on less energy to accomplish the same everyday tasks you did before. This reduces your energy usage, saves costs on your energy bills, and lowers your carbon emissions in the long run.

 5. Stay up to date on renewable energy news

The renewable energy sector is constantly evolving. New discoveries are being made everyday and scientists are researching more innovative ways to harness energy from clean, durable sources.

Keeping yourself up to date on advancements in the environmental field allows you to stay in the loop regarding new ways to reduce your carbon emissions, lessen the impact of climate change, and contribute to a healthier quality of life for yours and future generations.