With the environmental crisis increasingly making its presence known around the world, you may find yourself wondering how you can do your bit to reduce your carbon footprint and do your bit for the planet.
However, this is not always as easy as it seems. While most people would like to be kinder to the planet and hoover up fewer natural resources in theory, trying to change your lifestyle to suit this can be tough. This is especially true when money is tight; you can’t always spend extra on local produce, buy a more environmentally friendly car, or buy products that have been produced using ethical methods in your country.
Moreover, few people have enough time or energy to dedicate to reducing their carbon footprint. Calculating your household emissions is often too great an ask when you have children to look after and a stressful job to consider. To help, here are a few practical ways to reduce your carbon footprint in 2023:
Use renewable energies
One of the most impactful ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to use renewable energies instead of fossil fuels. This option can come in many forms. You may choose to get rid of your petrol-powered car or fit solar panels onto your home instead. The latter is a surprisingly easy option. All you need to do is find a reputable supplier like Tucson based Custom Solar and Leisure, have them fitted, and then hook them up to your power supply.
Although they are costly at first, you are likely to save money over time and positively impact the environment.
Cut down on your waste
Household waste is one of the most pressing environmental concerns. A huge amount of wasted food, products, and unrecyclable materials is thrown away by households every year, which is polluting the planet both in its initial production and potentially with unsustainable disposal.
There are several simple ways to reduce unnecessary waste and help the environment:
- Compost
You could create a compost pile in your backyard instead of throwing away your food scraps, or buy a small indoor composting bin. By composting food scraps and yard waste, you’ll reduce the amount of methane produced in landfills and improve the health of your soil.
- Use reusable items
Stop using disposable items like paper plates, cups, and utensils and instead buy reusable alternatives. This could include water bottles, coffee cups, and straws, which could pollute landfills and oceans.
- Organize your bins
Designate separate bins for paper, plastic, glass, and metal in your home. You may have to read up on your local recycling guidelines to find out which materials they accept and how they should be prepared.
- Avoid plastic where you can
During your weekly grocery shop, try to purchase items with minimal plastic packaging and avoid products with excessive packaging. Remember to bring reusable bags to the store to decrease the amount of plastic waste you create even further.
Use public transport
Another great way to reduce your negative environmental impact is to swap your car for public transport. This will decrease your carbon footprint and ensure you use energy more efficiently. Using public transport is especially viable if you live in a city with strong transport links. Of course, a change of this magnitude will be tricky, so it is best to take a moment to plan your trip before leaving the house.
You should double-check the schedules of the buses, trains, and subways in your area to find the best route and ensure you can get to your destination on time. Remember to look out for any last-minute service interruptions or delays impacting your trip.
