You’ve heard you should reduce your carbon footprint, but do you know the details of what one is?
The carbon in that term isn’t pure carbon but carbon dioxide, also called CO2. Your footprint is how much CO2 you release through electricity use, driving, and more. The phrase is confusing since CO2 also contains oxygen – but “carbon dioxide footprint” is awkward.
CO2 is part of how humans accelerate global warming, as it’s a “greenhouse gas” that holds in heat. Some good news is that switching things up can reduce carbon emissions. Check out these near-effortless steps to lower carbon impact.
- Ditch Wasteful Lightbulbs
If you shop for lightbulbs these days, chances are good that you’ll see stores growing their LED selection and cutting down on incandescent bulbs. The United States and other countries are phasing out incandescents because they waste energy.
Comparing the two bulb varieties’ store prices, there’s no hiding that LEDs cost more upfront. They’re worth the price because they last for many years and use very little electricity. LEDs are the best lightbulbs if you want to reduce personal waste.
Toxicity is a common complaint about “new” lightbulbs. Detractors pick on fluorescent bulbs, an earlier recommendation. Fluorescents indeed contain mercury, but it’s around what’s in a can or two of tuna.
That said, LEDs are better for the environment and don’t carry the same risk. Anyone worried about dangerous CFLs should be happy to switch to LEDs.
- Add Weatherproofing Materials
When your house isn’t well-insulated with weatherproof windows and doors, you heat and cool air that leaves the house. As a result, you waste electricity battling outdoor conditions. That raises carbon emissions from your utility company unless it uses only clean energy.
This fix will keep you comfortable in your house for many years and appeals to homebuyers, too. Some cities offer free weatherproofing to use less electricity, so check with your local government to see if you can save.
- Let Go of the Iron Stove
Some without electricity and/or money need iron stoves. Others, in wealthy countries, choose them for novelty. Iron stoves are quaint, but using them is a mistake.
Burning fuel to heat homes and cook food is a major source of global carbon emissions. If you can afford it, be responsible and replace your iron stove with an energy-efficient electric model.
Yet, even efficient stoves and ovens use a hefty amount of electricity. If your utility company burns fuel for that electricity, it generates emissions.
You can avoid that issue if you set your house up with solar panels or sign up with a solar utility company. Apart from factories and transportation, solar is emission-free.
Hesitant homeowners should take a moment to learn more about this option. A lot of people shy away because they think it’s too costly, but tax credits and a low or nonexistent electricity bill make up for the price in no time.
Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint and Other Modern Tips
If you want to reduce your carbon footprint to help our struggling environment, these tips are a simple way to start. Our society has followed misguided advice for decades. You can rest assured that these tips are up-to-date.
This site keeps up with the latest and most important facts, tips, and tricks. Click on another article to check out more modern ways to live a better life.