How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

What is Carbon Footprint? 

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse emissions that humans cause, either by themselves or through industries. The gas includes carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and more.  

The following are what you can do to minimize your carbon footprint: 

Est Less Meat 

Do you know that poultry is one of the leading industries that produce carbon emissions? Besides this, cows and animals alone are giving off methane emissions that are also harmful to the environment. Experts say that while eating meat is still good, eating less meat will significantly reduce the number of carbon and greenhouse emissions. Plant-based food, on the other hand, is a healthier and greener alternative as plants use carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. 

Lessen Your Waste 

An average American is said to waste 40% of their total food, so the following are the tips you can minimize this food waste: 

• It is okay to purchase in bulk but ensure you will eat the food. Lowly priced items when sold in bulk can be tempting. However, before buying, ask yourself if you will need the food or if will it just stays on the counter until it rots.  
• Plan your food ahead of time. Planning what to eat on a daily basis reduces food waste.  
• Get creative in making your food. Leftover does not necessarily mean dirty. Reuse leftovers and reuse them for a new dish. 
• Dispose of your trash properly or utilize Concord dumpster rental when doing home projects. 

Travel Less 

Do you fly often? Using transportation oftentimes makes your emission higher. Fuels and energy that are spent on these travels increase the carbon footprint. Taking fewer trips, either in flying or driving will definitely reduce your carbon emission. Imagine millions of people taking this advice, it will significantly reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere.  

In 2017 alone, the carbon dioxide that comes from transportation even surpassed the electricity generation emission. More and more people are purchasing their own vehicles and families even own more than two cars. The thing is, if we go carless even just for a year, this could save over 2.6 tons of carbon dioxide.  

If you cannot avoid using your vehicle, you can try the following: 

• Keep your car efficient by regularly maintaining it 
• Cut down the use of air conditioning 

• Do not weigh your car down 
• Use your brakes more efficiently 
• Always check your tires for damages 

As an individual, we can create a significant change in how we produce and emit carbon and other greenhouse gases.