Did you know that in 2019 the USA put 14.5 trillion pounds of damaging gases into the earth’s atmosphere?
Statistics like this remind us that the world has many changes to make before it can reach a carbon-neutral status and arrest the slide toward global warming.
If you are concerned about this as an individual what can you do? What is a carbon footprint? Do you know how to reduce carbon footprint metrics? We provide the answers to this and more in the following article.
What is a Carbon Footprint?
A carbon footprint is calculated by counting all the CO2 emissions that are associated with a person or company’s activities. It includes obvious emissions like car exhaust.
However, it also includes emissions that they did not generate directly but that was generated by things that they consumed, such as food and drink.
As you can imagine there is a broad range of things that contribute to your carbon footprint. What can you do to reduce your impact on the environment? Why not consider some simple things that we can all do.
Start With Your Lights
If you want to how to reduce carbon emissions, you can start with appliances at home. Simply switch off appliances, lights, and devices when you are not using them during the day or night.
Lighting is a great place to start if you are thinking of going solar, This is a great guide that can help you make the switch.
Car Efficiency
Knowing how to go green means making lots of small changes to your lifestyle. For example, did you know that regular maintenance to your car, particularly the tires, will help to reduce your carbon output?
Increasing your car’s efficiency means that it will burn less fuel and release fewer toxins into the atmosphere.
Eat More Vegetables
Eating vegetables and meat from local providers will reduce your carbon footprint. Why?
Large industrial farms are a major contributor of methane to the environment. Buy locally from smaller providers and reduce your carbon footprint. If vegetables really aren’t your thing, there are ways you can make them a little more palatable.
For example, you can make cauliflower buffalo “wings” with your sauce of choice (you can click here to learn about one such sauce that’s even keto-friendly!) – meat-free days at home are a great way to both eat more vegetables and help the environment while doing so.
Transport Methods
Why not assess your transport needs and see whether you can incorporate more exercise or alternate travel methods into your schedule? This is a great way to reduce your energy consumption.
Walking, jogging and cycling are great ways to cut out vehicle usage and improve your personal health.
Why Your Contribution Matters
While many of these small steps seem very insignificant, if enough people do this, it will decrease the national carbon footprint and contribute to a better future for the environment.
Knowing how to conserve energy in just these few small ways can mean major benefits in the future.
What Is a Carbon Footprint And Other Important Questions Answered
In 2021, we are more aware of environmental issues than ever before in history. The choices that we make right now will affect future generations to come.
By learning the answer to the question “what is a carbon footprint?”, you can start to plan what you can do to lessen your impact on the world around you.
If you would like to learn even more, why not check out the rest of our pages that have more of the same for you?
