Carbon emissions refer to the measure of the impact of human activities on global warming and climate change. Every person on the planet contributes, directly and indirectly. It includes things like methods of transportation, cooling/heating your home, running appliances, the food you eat, the clothes you buy, and more.
While we can’t eliminate all production, even small actions can add up over time. Are you looking for ways to reduce your carbon emissions? Here’s what you need to know.
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Why is it necessary to lower carbon emissions?
We’ve already seen some disastrous effects of climate change, including more frequent and severe weather, ocean acidification, and the extinction of various species. Taking steps to reduce carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions (nitrous oxide, methane, etc.) is vital for stopping global warming. Reducing our average carbon emissions helps protect our environment. It can also help improve public health and boost the global economy.
Steps to take to minimize your carbon emissions
Let’s learn how to reduce your carbon emissions. Here’re seven effective strategies to implement.
Spend less time on the road
Carbon emissions from cars have a significant impact on our footprints. Instead of driving everywhere, look for alternative modes of transportation. For the most significant impact, walk or ride your bike. If walking or biking isn’t possible, consider public transportation or carpooling.
Should you need to take your car, Google Maps has a new feature that can help you find the most fuel-efficient routes to get you to your destination. Paying attention to (and altering) your driving habits can be helpful for improving fuel efficiency, too.
Opt for an electric vehicle
Electric vehicles (EVs) offer an alternative to conventional vehicles, running on electricity stored in a battery rather than gas. Tesla is one of the best-known EV makers out there. However, many legacy automakers, including Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, and even Ford, have added EVs to their lineups.
An EV produces zero greenhouse gas emissions when you drive it. Instead of fueling it with gas, which, with high gas prices, has become expensive, you “fuel” it with much cheaper electricity. You also have the benefit of being able to charge your car at home.
Cut down on food waste
Food waste is an unfortunately all-too-common occurrence. Uneaten leftovers, forgotten produce, and other food items get thrown in your trash bin and end up in a landfill. There, they decompose and produce methane, a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.
Then, there are food scraps. These are the peels, cores, ends, trimmings, bones, and other bits of food left over as a part of food preparation. These “waste” products also typically end up in the trash can and, eventually, a landfill.
Reduce your carbon emissions by planning your weekly meals. Use your menus to create a shopping list and stick to it. Your list can help you avoid buying things you think you might use but that ultimately go to waste. It may also help you avoid overbuying ingredients and impulse purchases. As for food scraps, there are plenty of creative ways to use them, from homemade broths to DIY skincare products.
Another option to consider, if possible, is composting your food waste into nutrient-dense fertilizer for your garden. If you have the space, you can set up a compost bin in your backyard. There are a few countertop composters on the market for smaller spaces, such as apartments. Further, you can find out if there’s a curbside composting program in your area.
Use reusable shopping bags
According to The World Counts, humans use 5 trillion plastic bags a year. Most are polyethylene-based (fossil fuels) and can take upwards of 1,000 years to degrade. Even at that, they never break down fully, becoming harmful microplastics instead. Although recyclable, most end up in the trash after one use and make their way to landfills or even the ocean.
Many stores offer paper bags as an alternative to plastic. Some, like Wholefoods, use 100% recycled paper bags. Although better, you can go one step further in reducing carbon emissions by using reusable bags. Don’t limit their use to the grocery store, either. Bring them with you on all of your shopping excursions.
Recycle more
Recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions by reducing energy consumption. It takes much less energy to produce products from recycled items than it does to make them from raw materials. In some cases, products made from recycled materials, like paper, also help save raw materials (trees!).
There’s more to recycling than throwing plastic, aluminum, paper, and recyclable materials into a specific bin. For instance, small items like plastic straws and cutlery can fall through the crevices of sorting machines and jam them. Recycling plants can’t process materials that are wet or contain food waste. Instead, they have to send the contaminated items to landfills. On top of that, different cities have different rules.
Recycling can be confusing, but knowing the rules can help you effectively reduce your carbon emissions. If you aren’t sure about something, check out your city’s recycling website for more information. That way, you can feel confident that your recycling is actually getting recycled.
Lessen air travel
Flying may only account for around 2.5% of global carbon dioxide emissions, but it can make up a significant part of a person’s individual carbon emissions. Even short-haul flights can produce more emissions per traveler than some people contribute in a whole year.
One of the best ways to reduce your carbon emissions from air travel is to fly less. If your destination isn’t too far, drive instead. Although a conventional vehicle contributes to your carbon emissions, its impact is generally lower than that of an airplane for shorter distances. If you have an EV, you’ll reduce your impact further. Alternatively, take a train.
When you do fly, try to book non-stop flights. Opt for economy class. You take up less space and, therefore, have a lower footprint than passengers in business or first class. Packing light also helps keep unnecessary weight off the plane. So, it doesn’t need to use as much fuel.
Switch to solar energy
Fossil fuels are one of the largest sources of carbon emissions. Investing in a solar energy system is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon emissions at home. Solar panels allow you to generate electricity from one of the most renewable sources of energy on the planet (the sun) and reduce your reliance on grid-supplied power. Renewable energy like solar produces no emissions, helping reduce your impact. It can also save quite a bit of money, especially if you invest in a solar battery and implement energy-efficient strategies.
Reduce your carbon emissions with carbon offsets
When combined with the efforts of others, taking measures to reduce your average carbon emissions can go a long way in helping to slow the effects of climate change. You can have an even greater impact with the purchase of carbon offsets, which allow you to invest in projects or organizations that work toward reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
