Climate change is one of the biggest challenges all living beings are facing, all thanks to increased carbon footprint. The onset of the industrial revolution two centuries ago involving heightened human activity has made us stand on the brink of an environmental catastrophe.
But we still have time at hand and ways to minimise the damage done. How? The primary solution is reducing your carbon footprint. In this article we will understand what carbon footprint means and what steps you can take to curb carbon footprint and fit in the grand scheme of things.
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To cut the long story short:
There are many simple ways to minimise your carbon footprint and aid in the recovery of the environment in various ways. Be at school, home, workplace, while traveling, these lifestyle changes add up to the bigger scheme of things. Some tried and tested examples like reducing the amount of energy usage, eating fewer animal products, shopping locally sourced or produced products, smart travel, and waste reduction can help you achieve the set goal of minimising your carbon footprint.
What is a carbon footprint, and how do you contribute to it?
Carbon footprint is the measure of the sum total of GHGs (Greenhouse Gases) emitted into the Earth’s atmosphere. It is the result of an individual’s, nation’s, or organisation’s actions. It’s often used when talking about climate/environmental change, but one doesn’t understand it fully. It is a chain reaction that is set due to human and machine actions. Carbon footprint is measured in “tons of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent).
Below, we talk about some key terms closely associated with carbon footprint:
- Greenhouse gases (GHG)
It is a set of gases in the atmosphere, and every individual gas can block heat from escaping. When focusing on your carbon footprint emitted from your actions, then the major ones to mention are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
- Greenhouse Effect
It is the process wherein the GHGs present in Earth’s atmosphere trap heat from the Sun. Although it is a natural phenomenon needed to keep the planet habitable, the crucial point to be noted is that our GHG emissions are causing our planet to warm up at an uncommon rate.
- Climate Change
It is a sequence of long-term changes in the weather and temperature patterns, either regionally or globally. Although these changes occur naturally, but human-induced climate change is abruptly speeding up the pace of the same.
- Global Warming
This term denotes the fleeting increase in Earth’s average surface temperatures generally caused by the hoarding of GHGs (greenhouse gases) in the atmosphere due to our carbon footprint.
- Fossil fuels
Fossil fuels are natural resources that emit greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide when burnt, and some popular ones are oil, natural gas, coal, and wood.
All these terms listed above are closely linked and relate to the grander idea of a carbon footprint. It’s not just you, but other individuals, nations, and organisations that can and should do their bit to reduce their carbon footprint.
Now, let’s start delving into the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint with these 5 lifestyle changes:
1. Change the way you purchase Fashion products.
The fashion industry is touted to be the 2nd major CO2e emitting sector and has a significant impact on environmental pollution. Follow these simple steps to initiate a lifestyle change when it comes to clothing and accessories:
- Purchase certified organic, upcycled, recycled clothing
This is the most convenient and easy method to curb your carbon footprint as sustainable fashion products like Organic Cotton clothing and other products are good for your skin, environment, and are durable.
- Avoid purchasing trendy, cheap fashion
Fast fashion products are mainly manufactured using plastic-based fabrics like polyester and other fabrics that are laden with toxic chemicals and dyes. This makes them dangerous to the environment and climate due to emissions of GHGs and pollutants throughout their entire lifecycle.
- Thrift, Rent, or Borrow
It is a growing trend wherein you can purchase second-hand clothes or even rent one, thus reducing more clothes from entering the ever-growing landfills.
2. Change Your Food Habits
Consuming food is necessary for all living beings. We, humans, can make this best lifestyle change to reduce our carbon footprint by following these steps:
- Eat items low on the food chain
This denotes maintaining a diet of vegetables, grains, fruits, and rice. Reduced consumption of dairy products and meat for even just one meal can help conserve food, water, and energy.
- Lower animal-sourced foods in your diet
Animal-sourced foods include items like meat, fish, milk, eggs, and honey. By limiting the intake of these items or their byproducts, you can make a significant impact towards reducing GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions.
- Eat organic and locally available foods.
This helps in curbing carbon emissions as transporting foods from far locations involves transportation means like trucks, rail, ships, or planes, which use fossil fuels as fuel and also for cooling and preservation of the food in transit.
- Stock food and products in bulk
Buying in bulk quantities eliminated the need for packaging and single-use plastics. It also reduces transportation and reduces food waste.
- Buy food products in reusable containers.
Reusable containers/packaging helps reduce CO2e emissions by up to 60%, as it eliminates the need to remanufacture or recycle single-use packaging.
3. Change the way you travel
- Road Travel
When you travel by road daily in your car or bike, you need to drive efficiently, check the vehicle’s tire pressure regularly, and ensure proper maintenance and timely servicing of your vehicle.
- Commuting to Work
The best way to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling to work is by walking or riding a bicycle if your workplace is situated at a smaller distance, carpooling, and using public transport.
- Air Travel
The best way to reduce your carbon footprint is to travel with airlines that have and practice carbon offset programs and also choose non-stop flights.
4. Energy Audit your Residence/Office
Residence or workplace is where we spend most of our time. To make your abode energy efficient and emit low CO2e gases, try these steps:
- Insulate your home/office
By adding materials like fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool, etc., to walls, roofs, floors, and other areas, you can maintain a consistent temperature, reduce heat transfer, reduce energy costs, and minimise your carbon footprint.
- Switch to energy-efficient appliances.
Switching to energy-efficient appliances like LED bulbs are an effective way to reduce energy consumption and also curb greenhouse gas emissions. One more critical step to follow is switching off appliances, air conditioners/coolers, and lights when not in use.
- Installation of Solar Panels
Through this, you can harness the renewable energy derived from the Sun and generate clean energy for your home, office, and industry.
4. Change your Water Consumption ways.
- Use less water
Processing and delivering of water to our homes or workplaces consumes a lot of energy and resources. It is also energy-intensive as most of us tend to drink after heating it. So, by using/drinking moderate or required amounts, avoiding wastage of water, proper plumbing, and no leaky taps, you can save water and help the environment by lowering your carbon footprint.
Conclusion
The above-listed lifestyles change to reduce your carbon footprint and tried and tested and are easy to follow. By reducing your carbon footprint you not only help your family’s wellness but also help in recovery of the damage caused to the environment.
A lot of eco-friendly and sustainable products are available today at Upcycleluxe . You not only support the business but also help better your health and your surroundings. So, let’s embark on the journey to lead a sustainable life and strive for a healthier and greener environment.