Whenever you turn on the TV or look at social media these days, it’s hard to avoid news about the climate crisis that we’re all facing globally. We’ve reached the point of no turning back, and it is up to this generation to improve how we’re all living. 

This means doing as much as possible to reduce our own individual carbon footprint. 

But what can we all do to ensure we’re living as green a life as possible? 

In this article, we’ll share seven ways that you can reduce your carbon footprint. 

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

One of the most significant areas that you can reduce your impact is in the amount that you waste.

We live in a throwaway culture. Once we’ve finished with an item that we’ve bought, we throw it away. Many items come packaged and we throw the packaging away too. 

All of this amounts to a lot of waste. Every year we dump over 2.1 billion tons of waste into landfills. However, if we all did our bit, we could make this number considerably lower. 

To reduce your impact on the world’s waste, buy second hand wherever possible. You’ll be ensuring that products have the longest lifespan possible before they’re disposed of. 

When you’re considering buying a product, look at the amount of packaging it has. If there is an option to buy with less packaging or none at all, then you should choose these options.

If something that you own breaks, instead of throwing it away, see if you can get it fixed. Having an appliance fixed will not only save you money, but it will also help the environment.  

Finally, find out about the recycling facilities near you. If you do need to dispose of anything, do your best to break it down into parts that can be recycled. 

2. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint With Green Energy

Where does your energy provider get their power from? If they are still using fossil fuels such as gas and coal, then it’s time to switch to a new supplier. Choose a company that only uses fully renewable energy.

You should also look at the amount of energy that you consume too. By tightening the control you have over your electricity and heating use, you’ll be able to reduce your environmental impact. 

3. Avoid Animal Products

It is widely documented that eating a plant-based diet will have a positive effect on your carbon footprint. The United Nations commissioned a report in 2019 which looked into the way that land use is a major driver for climate change. 

The report recommended switching to a plant-based diet because an estimated 23% of all greenhouse emissions come from livestock agriculture.  

Switching to a plant-based diet may seem difficult, but with more businesses focusing their attention on delivering new products to accommodate the rise in veganism, there has never been a better time to give up animal products. 

4. Buy In-Season Produce 

Much of the fresh food that we consume has traveled long distances before it arrives on our plate. We’ve become accustomed to enjoying fruit and veg out of season but grown in another country. 

This is not a sustainable way to enjoy food, and it is a habit that we should all try to get out of. 

Wherever possible, try to buy fresh produce that is grown and packed as close to home as possible. By eating in-season produce, you will be reducing the carbon footprint of your diet. 

Look for recipes that use the best food that is locally available at that time of year. 

5. Avoid Fast Fashion 

There are several moral arguments for avoiding fast fashion. With so many low-priced fashion retailers constantly bringing out new lines, it’s easy to feel as though we’re missing out if we’re not buying new outfits often. 

But with many of these lines being made overseas, the shipping alone is a cause of concern. All of this is before we even consider the land and water use associated with growing the cotton to produce these garments. 

Reduce your carbon footprint by wearing sustainable shoes and garments. Buy items of clothing that are designed to last, and don’t get sucked into the whirlwind shifts in fast fashion. Look for the fair trade logo on products that you buy. 

Buy second-hand clothes. Vintage fashion is always in style. 

6. Drive Less

It’s no secret that vehicles cause pollution. One of the biggest changes that you can make if you have a car is to drive less. Here are some tips on how you can do that.

• Take public transport whenever possible. If you can, bike, or walk to your destination. 

• If you do need to drive, there are some tips to help you burn less gas. 

• Go easy on the gas and the brakes when you’re driving.

• Get your car serviced regularly.

• Make sure your tires are properly inflated.

• Use the cruise control feature when making a longer journey.

• Use the air-conditioning sparingly .

• Wherever possible, share a ride with someone else. Carpooling not only helps lower the number of cars on the road, but it will also help to save you money. 

7. Reduce the Amount of Water You Use

You might think that water was an abundant resource since two-thirds of the planet is covered in it, but clean drinking water is not in great supply. We all need to think about the amount of water that we waste. 

To save water in your home, take shorter showers. Fix any leaky faucets that you might have, and use a dishwasher instead of washing your dishes by hand. 

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Now

Don’t delay! There is no time like the present for making these important changes in your life. By implementing these ways to reduce your carbon footprint, you will be doing your bit to slow the extent of this climate crisis. 

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