How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: 10 Simple Tips

Understanding Climate Change and Its Effects

Did you know that the global temperature has increased at an average rate of 0.14 degrees Fahrenheit per decade since 1880? Even worse is, this has doubled since 1981.

Global warming and climate change has accelerated rapidly in recent years, and if we don’t do anything about it, we’re sure to ruin the planet. This means it’s vital that we take the right steps toward sustainable living to ensure our future generations can still call Earth home.

If you’re wondering how to reduce your carbon footprint, then keep reading. We have 10 simple tips for you.

Tips for Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

1. Save Electricity

One of the easiest ways to do your part is to save electricity when you can. This is as straightforward as turning off all lights, electronics, and appliances when you’re not using them.

To further reduce your carbon footprint, replace your traditional light bulbs with energy-efficient LED ones. These use at least 75% less energy, so theoretically, you can have four light bulbs on for the “energy price” of one.

Plus, they last up to 25 times longer, so you won’t have to keep buying and replacing bulbs. This has the added bonus of saving you some money.

2. Conserve Water

Water might be free-flowing in your area, and the prices are so affordable that you don’t think twice about leaving your faucet on for an extra minute or two. However, those minutes add up, and it depletes from our finite sources of water.

Needless to say, it’s important to be mindful of your water usage at home. In addition, you should find and fix leaks, and install water-saving fixtures as well.

You should also try to reduce your shower time. Save the gray water for other purposes, such as watering your plants and flushing your toilet.

Conserving water can save electricity too, so you’ll kill two birds with one stone. For example, water heating consumes energy, meaning that the longer you’re in there, the more water and electricity you’ll use.

3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Single-use items are used much too often in today’s society. While they can be more convenient, it’s terrible for the environment.

Minimize waste by buying products with minimal packaging and reusing them when possible. When you finally have to get rid of them, then recycle them properly. For instance, paper, plastic, glass, and metal all have differing ways of recycling, making it essential to sort them in the correct fashion.

When purchasing clothes or shoes, don’t give in to fast fashion. Even though these things are cheap, they’re not made sustainably, and are usually poorly constructed with low-quality materials.

Spend a little extra on well-made pieces that’ll last you for years. Or browse thrift shops to participate in garment recycling.

And when these items inevitably wear out, see if you can patch them up for extended use rather than throw them away and buy new products again.

4. Use Renewable Energy Sources

If it’s available in your area, then switch to renewable energy providers. You can also take it one step further and install solar panels on your property. That way, you can power your home with clean energy and reduce your CO2 emissions.

A benefit of having a solar panel system is you can always sell back extra energy if you live somewhere with net metering. We at Chariot Energy offer 100% renewable energy plans, plus we have fantastic solar buyback plans, so reaching out to us is a great idea if you’re interested in solar energy.

5. Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances

Most appliances in your home have a lifespan of around 10 years. This means that some of them are due for replacements, especially if they’re on their last legs.

Are your appliances still working? Then you’ll still want to double-check them, especially if they’re on the older side. Newer appliances have high energy efficiency ratings, which will help you save on electricity consumption.

If you aren’t sure if it’s wiser to keep your old appliances or to buy new ones, take a look at your recent utility bills. High costs indicate that your carbon footprint is pretty big, so replacing your appliances will be a good long-term decision.

6. Adjust Your Thermostat

It’s nice to have your house set at the exact temperature you’re in the mood for, but the reality is that it wastes a lot of energy. Make sure you set yours at the appropriate levels, and if possible, use a programmable thermostat. These can take a lot of manual work out of your hands so you’re not constantly worried about your home’s temperatures.

In the summer, you’ll ideally set your thermostat at 78 degrees. However, don’t force it if it doesn’t feel comfortable to you. Instead, slowly lower the temperature to determine what works best while still being eco-conscious.

In the winter, you should set your thermostat at 68 degrees. Again, use that as a baseline and make adjustments as needed.

7. Eat a More Plant-Based Diet

Livestock agriculture accounts for half of all manmade emissions. If you look at the carbon footprint rankings of food, you’d see that most meats are at the top of the list.

It’s understandable if you can’t cut out meat completely, but at least consider reducing its consumption. If you don’t eat beef and lamb as much as usual, then that already significantly decreases your carbon footprint.

Eating more plant-based meals can help your health too. Red meat is classified as Group 2A, meaning it’s probably carcinogenic to humans. Reducing your consumption can reduce your chances of developing colorectal cancer.

8. Support Sustainable Businesses

Being sustainable is no easy feat, especially since you have to source more expensive materials. Many small businesses already fail for various reasons within several years of opening, so do your part in keeping the sustainable ones around.

Choose products made from eco-friendly materials and support companies that prioritize sustainability. It may be more expensive to do, but the more people who support these businesses, the more common they’ll be. If we all make a concerted effort to be eco-conscious, then these companies will thrive and provide us with more affordable options in the future.

Another advantage to these actions is that corporations will notice what consumers want. This can help shape their decisions to be more sustainable.

9. Plant Trees

This might seem like an obvious way to reduce your carbon footprint, but you’d be surprised at just how many cut down trees instead of planting them.

Trees absorb carbon dioxide, so participate in tree-planting initiatives to help offset your carbon emissions. You can also plant more greenery in your own yard, and not only trees.

Put in native plants, which will attract pollinators and help them thrive. In addition, these plants can prevent soil erosion, which conserves your local ecosystem too.

You don’t necessarily have to get your hands dirty though. As we’ve mentioned above, there are tree-planting initiatives all around the nation, and you can simply make a monetary contribution to further their efforts.

10. Use Energy-Efficient Transportation

Americans are guilty of driving all over the place; our society and infrastructure are heavily dependent on vehicles, which is why the government subsidizes our gas prices. Affordable fuel has enabled us to maintain independent lives while we zip around in our own cars.

However, this independence comes at a huge price, as vehicles leave huge carbon footprints. So if you must have a car, consider opting for a hybrid or electric vehicle to reduce emissions.

Otherwise, try to pick alternative transportation when possible. For example, instead of driving every week to the grocery store, bike there instead. Other choices include walking or using public transportation, such as the bus, tram, or train.

If you work far away and none of the above are feasible, then organize a carpool system. That way, your workforce will only have a few cars on the road per day rather than tens of them.

Now You Know How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Knowing how to reduce your carbon footprint can empower you to make positive changes. And while it’s true that one person’s efforts won’t affect the world, if everyone makes an effort, then it can be felt globally.

So slowly incorporate these tips into your daily life, and before you know it, you’ll contribute to the fight against climate change. Share these tips with your social circles too, as every little bit helps!

If you’re interested in finding the best solar buyback plan for you, then sign up with Chariot Energy now. We offer some of the most competitive rates in Texas. Also, if you have any questions, then feel free to reach out by phone or our chat module!