10 ways to reduce your carbon footprint every day

CARBON FOOTPRINT

Carbon footprint represents the total volume of greenhouse gases (GG) resulting from everyday economic and human activity. Knowing the carbon footprint of any activity measured in tons of CO2 emissions is necessary for taking measures and launching initiatives to reduce it to the lowest possible level.

WAYS TO REDUCE CARBON FOOTPRINT

1) Drink Tap Water Instead of Bottled

A decent water-filtration system is a lot cheaper than buying bottled water, and it creates a lot less waste too. By switching to a reusable bottle and keeping a pitcher of ice water in the fridge, you’re saving an average of 167 disposable water bottles per person per year, which totals about 50 billion water bottles a year.

2) Switch to A White Trash

The pigment in black trash bags isn’t biodegradable. They aren’t recyclable plastic and will never break down either. Switch to white plastic, which is recyclable. It’ll have a long-term effect on the environment.

3) Take Public Transit, Carpool, or Bike

The fewer cars used, the lesser will be the CO2 from the exhaust. A better way to reduce your carbon footprint during your commute is to take a bus or carpool. And if the trip is less than a mile, you can walk or ride a bike.

That cuts down about 15% of your carbon footprint.

4) Switch to LED Light Bulbs (and other Energy Efficient Alternatives)

Switching your light bulbs from incandescent to LED’s can reduce the carbon footprint level by a considerable number. They can last up to ten years, meaning fewer bulbs end up in a landfill.

5) Energy Audit

Do an energy audit of your home. It will show how you use or waste energy and help identify ways to be energy efficient.

6) Being smart with water

Turn your water heater down to 120˚F. It can save about 550 pounds of CO2 a year. Installing a low-flow showerhead to reduce hot water use could save up to 350 pounds of CO2. Taking shorter showers helps, too.

7) Nature at its Best

Choose organic and local foods that are in season. Transportation of food by truck, ship, rail or plane, uses fossil fuels and coolants to keep food in transit from spoiling.

8) Become a Cool Buddy

Wash your clothing in cold water. The enzymes in detergent are designed to clean better in cold water. Doing two loads of laundry a week in cold water instead of hot or warm water can save up to 500 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.

9) Go for compost

Compost your food waste. It will reduce the carbon footprint a lot.

10) Say No to Air Travel

Traveling for work is sometimes unavoidable, but by keeping both feet on the ground, driving, or taking the train instead of air travel, you can remove half your carbon emissions. The train may take longer than that of a plane, but you get to enjoy more sights!

CREDIT : SUNANDA