Environmentalists have for long raised their voices emphasizing the importance of taking up measures to reduce carbon footprints. As individuals, we have come across their warnings several times. However, most of us believe the responsibility solely depends on the industries. Little did we think, we are also an integral part of the ecosystem, and our contributions can also make a considerable difference. Presently, it has become mandatory to exercise the appropriate steps to reduce carbon footprints considering the looming threats of climate change and environmental degradation.
Unless each one of us takes responsibility and adopts sustainable measures, it won’t take long before things turn from bad to worse. By carbon footprint, we mean the total amount of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere owing to the activities carried out by humans. Already, enough damage has been done, and it would be a challenging task to reduce carbon footprints. We can draw inspiration from global companies like Osterman. Despite being a construction company, it has implemented all the necessary measures to reduce its carbon footprint. Let us take a look at the steps that can make us contribute to the wellness of the environment.
Introduce energy efficiency at home
Of course, we can take various simple steps to reduce our carbon footprint. The first step we can take is to make our homes more energy-efficient, and we need not require spending a fortune to do it. Swap the old lights with LED light bulbs. If you do not know this already, compared to traditional bulbs, LED bulbs consume up to 80% less energy and can last for a longer period. As a result, you not only save on your electricity bills but it can also considerably lower carbon emissions over the long –run. Then again, LED light bulbs do not emit much heat, which further reduces the need for cooling during warmer months,
Using energy-efficient applications
Energies consumed in households can make a considerable difference in energy consumption patterns. The next time, when you are out shopping, make sure to check the models which have high Energy Star Ratings. When you start using these appliances, you will notice they are consuming less energy than before, and that too without having to compromise on the quality and performance. Presently, several items like refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners come with such ratings.
Make it a habit of unplugging electronic devices
Often, we keep electronic devices on standby and they continue to consume energy. We should consciously try and rectify this habit. We do not realize, that the energy used by electronic components when left on standby accounts for up to 10% of the household electricity consumption. Thus, it should be made a point of unplugging devices when not in use. Alternatively, we can use smart power strips which can efficiently turn off power to devices when they are in idle mode.
Insulating homes
Ignoring insulation can make a significant difference in maintaining the ideal indoor temperature which then requires more energy consumption to cool the interiors. Often, poor insulation results in considerable heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer, which compels you to use your heating and cooling systems harder and consume extra energy. Thus, investing in insulation, double-glazed windows, and weather-stripping can make our homes more energy-efficient which in turn reduces our carbon footprint.
Implementing the 3 R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)
Implementing these 3 R’s as mentioned above can contribute significantly to reducing our carbon footprint. To start with, we should vow to reduce the use of plastic which happens to be one of the major contributors to environmental pollution. Oceans and waterways in particular are the worst affected by plastics. Day-to-day items like plastic water bottles, shopping bags, and straws can take thousands of years to decompose and harm marine life. Thus, we should start using reusable materials such as stainless steel water bottles, cloth bags for shopping, and many other options now available in the market. By making these simple switches in our lifestyle we can decrease the use of plastic and lower carbon footprint.
Proper recycling
Recycling happens to be a critical aspect of waste management. It helps in conserving resources and reduces energy consumption that becomes necessary to produce new products. However, improper recycling can lead to devastating results. It can contaminate recycled materials and turn the efforts in vain. You should learn at first the appropriate way of recycling which should also include information on items that cannot be recycled. By selecting the proper recyclable materials, you can make a considerable difference in sustainable management.
Compost organic waste
Organic waste includes food scraps, household wastes, yard trimmings and many more are solely responsible for solid wastes that end up in landfills. Once in the landfills, organic waste decomposes and produces methane which is a known greenhouse gas. In such cases, composting can be a simple and inexpensive way to convert organic waste from landfills and reduce methane emissions. Furthermore, compost doubles up as a natural fertilizer for gardens and lawns.
Sustainable transportation
We use vehicles for our convenience. These vehicles running on gasoline account for the maximum carbon emissions worldwide. Therefore, one of the ways to reduce carbon footprint is to consider alternatives to driving alone. Using public transportation, walking, and cycling can be the best options. Public transport facilities like buses can carry more people in a single vehicle and thus help reduce the impact of carbon on the environment. If one can use cycling and walking, it eliminates the risk of carbon emissions and additionally, it enhances physical health.
If your workplace is far away and cycling or walking isn’t a suitable alternative, you may consider using car-sharing or carpool services. When you visit your workplace sharing the same vehicle with your colleagues it helps in reducing the number of vehicles on the road. Furthermore, car-sharing can successfully reduce the need for car ownership, reducing the environmental impact associated with manufacturing, maintenance, and disposal of vehicles.
Industry experts, for long has been thinking of suitable alternatives to gasoline for cars. Now, electric and hybrid vehicles are gradually coming up. Understandably, these vehicles will hardly produce emissions and are also more fuel-efficient. Thus, it can be the best choice for environmentally conscious citizens. We can expect in the coming days, these electric vehicles and hybrid cars to take over their gasoline variants.
Supporting sustainable practices
We can undertake various steps in supporting sustainable practices. For instance, we can start by buying locally grown and organic products. These items are not only good for your health but they can also prove beneficial for the environment. The reason is, that locally sourced products reduce the carbon emissions associated with transportation. Furthermore, organic farming practices enhance soil health and biodiversity. Each of us can take the initiative and visit markets, join various community-supported agriculture programs, and look for organic certification labels when shopping. Each of these steps can be a giant step in promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing our carbon footprint.
Supporting renewable energy sources
Presently, the conventional means of energy are drawn from limited energy resources. We should consider switching to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydroelectricity, and biomass to facilitate low-carbon emissions and conserve natural resources. Solar panels have become affordable and can be the best alternative for drawing electricity. Likewise, we can consider enrolling in community solar programs to enjoy the benefits of renewable energy sources. By opting for these projects, we are indirectly supporting green energy projects and minimizing the dependency on fossil fuels.
Advocating for climate changes
Lastly, it is of utmost importance that we initiate awareness programs on climate change. Our job should not be limited to raising concerns and voicing opinions only. We should do everything we can to promote sustainability to help protect against the ill-effects of climate change. Presently, we can find several environmental organizations that are running post to pillar to help people become more aware. We can participate alongside them in projects like beach cleanups, preaching to others about their responsibility towards the environment, and introducing other environmentally friendly habits. When we join hands we can make a significant change and reduce the man-made impacts that have led to the drastic changes in climate.
Final words
So, as you can see, the steps we can take to reduce our carbon footprint aren’t complicated or expensive. It is all about making conscious choices in energy consumption, waste management, transportation, lifestyle habits, and so on. Indeed, the onus is on us to reduce the impact of greenhouse emissions. Often, we postpone our plans thinking we will implement them sometime later. Gradually, we forget about it later. However, this isn’t the time to delay things anymore. We have already done considerable harm to the environment and it is high time we started taking the right steps to restrict any further damage. It is for the sake of future generations to come, and we do not want them to live in a world that is simply unsuitable for humans.
