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Ways of Lowering Your Carbon Footprint

Every individual affects climate change and global warming by leaving a carbon footprint, a measure of the impact that greenhouses gases produced through daily activities has on the environment. Activities that increase your carbon footprint range from energy and water use to how you throw away your trash. You can lower your carbon footprint, reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and, as a bonus, save money by making simple changes in your day-to-day life.

  1. Use Less Energy

    • Lower you carbon footprint while saving money on your monthly utility bills by using less energy for electricity and heating and cooling your home. Turn off all lights and plugged-in electronics when not in use. Go the extra mile and unplug all electronics when not in use, as some electronics still use power while plugged in or on standby. You can also use less energy for electricity by switching to energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs, which can use up to 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than standard incandescent light bulbs. To save energy when heating or cooling your home, clean air filters regularly, have a professional tune your heating and cooling systems regularly, and seal and insulate your home to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

    Conserve Water

    • High amounts of energy are used to purify and distribute water to your home, so using water efficiently, especially hot water, can reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on your water bill. Turn off the faucet while you shave or brush your teeth, take quick showers, avoid taking baths, repair faucet and toilet leaks right away, only wash dishes and clothes when you have a full load and only water your lawn when needed and at the coolest time of day.

    Drive Smart and Travel Less

    • Every time you drive, your car pollutes the air by emitting greenhouse gases, so the best way to lower your carbon footprint when traveling is to drive less. Carpool, use public transportation, walk or ride your bike when traveling short distances and fit as many errands as possible into one trip. When you do need to use your car or prefer to drive, drive smart by improving your fuel economy and driving habits. Drive the speed limit and maintain a steady speed, avoid excessive use of your brakes and gas pedals, accelerate slowly and smoothly, and reduce time spent with the car idle and running. To make your car more fuel-efficient, keep your car tuned by following a regular maintenance schedule; replace your car's air, oil and fuel filters regularly; use renewable fuels, such as biodiesel, if possible; and check tire pressure regularly.

    Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

    • Both product manufacturing and trash disposal require high amounts of energy, pollute the air and produce large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, but reducing, reusing and recycling the products you use can lower your carbon footprint. Use products that come in recyclable containers and that can be repaired or reused, and purchase products made from recycled materials when possible. Use less and recycle all paper, aluminum cans and other beverage containers and plastic. Avoid buying water bottles and use tap water or a water-filtering system instead. You can also lower your carbon footprint when it comes to buying manufactured goods by purchasing local and in-season produce, growing your own produce and eating less meat.

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