Most people leave their power strips and phone chargers plugged in, thinking nothing of it. That may be a huge mistake — both for their wallets, and the planet. The “phantom” energy things like this draw can make up 40% of the average building’s energy consumption.
This is just one tiny example of how easy it is to have a high carbon footprint without realizing it. Further research into your personal habits could reveal even more ways you’re wasting energy. What are the best ways to reduce carbon emissions in your everyday life?
Let’s take a look at small and big ways to cut down on your carbon footprint.
Install Solar Panels
Solar energy is a no-brainer in this day and age. It’s free energy from the sun and is currently one of the cheapest types of electricity available. The upfront cost of an expert solar panel installation pays itself off later in reduced utility bills.
Solar panels are relatively low maintenance. You only have to dust them off every few months and schedule bi-annual maintenance. Barring foul weather, they do their job well — especially if you live in an extra-sunny climate.
Plus, the installation of a battery array lets you use that solar power at night. You can sell excess energy back to the grid as well. All told, there’s very little reason beyond your budget to not install a solar system.
Don’t Buy Single-Use Plastics
It’s no secret that plastic pollution is ruining the planet. We have literal islands of trash in the ocean, most of which are single-use plastics. That plastic breaks down as it’s consumed by wildlife, entering our bodies as harmful microplastics.
To combat this, avoid buying single-use plastic as much as possible. Instead of disposable water bottles, buy a high-quality reusable water bottle. Bring fabric grocery bags to the store and use your own utensils for fast food.
Skip Fast Fashion
Fast fashion is all the rage, but it’s devastating to the environment. Fast fashion refers to cheap clothes that you throw out at the end of the season. They are so low quality that even nations in the global south can’t resell them.
Don’t purchase from companies that offer cheap clothes intended to be replaced by the year’s end. Instead, prefer brands that make an actual effort to produce long-lasting clothing. Choose ones that recycle their products, or use recycled material.
Bike or Walk Instead of Driving
Your vehicle is one of the highest contributors to carbon emissions in your home. While it’s understandable that you might not want to bike to work, you should find ways to bike or walk otherwise. For example, choosing to bike to your nearby grocery store or library instead of driving.
Walking in suburban America is not the best choice for getting somewhere, that much is true. However, there are some errands you can walk to if necessary. Instead of driving by the mailbox or a neighbor who’s a few blocks over, walk.
Eat Locally-Grown Food
Locally grown food doesn’t just support food producers in your area. It’s less carbon intensive than buying something that was imported. Imported vegetables and fruits may be cheap in dollars, but they come at a high cost to the environment.
Many places in the US have ways to buy directly from farmers and other small growers. Chances are this produce will be fresher, better tasting, and more nutritious.
Cut Down on Red Meat
Red meat is problematic not just for ethical reasons, but for environmental ones as well. Red meat takes many, many more times the energy to produce than vegetables with the same calorie content. It requires a huge industry and a ton of feed crops to put just a kilogram of beef in your freezer.
So, consider instead eating more fish. Consider having a diet that is more vegetable-oriented. If you’re truly dedicated, you can go fully vegetarian or vegan.
Change Clothing Cleaning Habits
There are ways to cut down on your carbon footprint with how you wash and dry your clothes. Consider washing your clothes in cold water and doing larger loads.
In addition to this, consider selling off your dryer and doing your drying the old-fashioned way. Drying your clothes outside is free, and better for your clothing. Line-dried articles smell fresher and don’t suffer heat damage from the dryer.
Take Shorter Showers
Everyone loves to take a long, hot shower, but the planet isn’t so happy when you do. As nice as it may be, consider instead taking short, cold showers. Most people don’t need longer than five to ten minutes unless they need to shave.
Cold showers are a hard sell, but most people who do them are glad they made the switch. They make you feel better afterward, and don’t cause you to feel sleepy before work.
Switch to LED Bulbs
Your typical cheap vacuum bulbs cost a few cents, which is why many are reticent about giving them up. Despite being affordable, they guzzle electricity compared to more efficient bulb types. In the long run, that cheap bulb you saved money on ends up costing you more later on.
So, consider installing LED bulbs. They have a higher upfront cost, but they only sip wall juice by comparison. They are brighter, too, with a clean white light.
Take the Stairs
Those who live in apartment buildings or work in office skyscrapers don’t think twice about taking the elevator. Even if their destination is only two or three floors up. It’s a shame, since elevators use up a ton of electricity, especially if they’re just taking one person.
Time and physical stamina permitting, take the stairs instead. It doesn’t just help the planet, it’s good for your health. Your body will be happy if you get your blood pumping before sitting in that office chair all day.
Find Other Ways to Cut Carbon Emissions
Cutting your carbon emissions can be drastic, like going solar, or small, like taking short showers. Almost everyone can find easy, virtually painless ways to reduce their carbon footprint. These small things add up, so making just a few changes in your habits will go a long way.
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