Did you know that the average carbon footprint of a person in the U.S. is 16 tons? When you look at global figures, the average drops to four tons.
However, research suggests the average must fall to an average of two tons per person to prevent global temperatures from rising approximately 35°F by 2050. Luckily, you can take steps to reduce your carbon footprint on your own!
But are there actual carbon footprint reduction tips that you can apply to your daily life? Or will you need to change your lifestyle in its entirety?
Don’t worry—it’s simpler than it sounds, and we’re here to help you out. Keep reading our carbon footprint reduction guide to learn everything you need to know!
Develop Green Habits At Home
You can practice carbon footprint reduction in your own home by being more conscious about your energy and water use. Get into the habit of turning off lights when leaving a room, turning off unused electronics and appliances, and shortening your shower time.
If you want to make sure you’re using clean energy, go green by installing solar panels. By using solar panels, you’ll be able to create most, if not all, of your own energy. You can even sell the excess back to the electric grid, which makes it an eco-friendly investment that pays for itself.
Practice Smart Driving
There have been more and more electric cars hitting the market, but they’re still unaffordable for many people. However, did you know that you can reduce your carbon footprint just by modifying your driving habits?
For example, aggressive driving and speeding wastes gas and can reduce your mileage. While it varies from car to car, gas mileage typically reduces rapidly when driving over 50 mph. If your car features it, you can use cruise control to maintain a consistent and appropriate speed.
You can further reduce your fuel economy and carbon footprint by removing unused items inside your car. It’s good to avoid carrying cargo on the roof of your car as well. Also, while it may be obvious, you shouldn’t keep your car idly running, such as after parking.
Become A Smart Consumer
One of the easiest ways to be a smart consumer is by shopping from local small businesses. This is especially important when it comes to food, like produce and meat products.
When it comes to clothing, avoid supporting fast fashion companies. Find sustainable clothing companies to buy from, or reduce your footprint even more by buying clothes from thrift stores.
Be smart about your transportation purchases too. The next time you’re searching for a new car, consider the benefits of using public transportation, walking, or buying a bicycle instead.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Starting Today
It’s hard to understand how every decision we make will affect the environment. That’s why it’s important to reduce your carbon footprint whenever possible so that we can work to preserve this incredible planet. With the guide above, you’ll be able to start reducing your carbon footprint today!
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