10 Easy Ways to Reduce your Carbon Footprint Today

July 6th, 2024

Do you know your carbon footprint? We all affect the world by the choices we make and how we live. If you don't know your carbon footprint, you can go here to calculate it and find out.

Global warming is real and greenhouse gases increase global warming. The emittion of greenhouses gases is what determines our carbon footprint. We emitt greenhouses gases in many different ways, and a significant share of that is the production, transportation, and disposal of products and foods we consume. We are responsible, but at the same time we can all make a change. We can't control the actions of others, but we can control ours. Here are 10 suggestions of things we can do today to reduce our carbon footprint.

1. Spread the Word

Spreading the word can be as involved as you decide. You can informally talk to friends, family and neighbors about some ways you chose to reduce your carbon footprint. You can also offer to help in one of the sustainable initiatives you have tried yourself, for example: starting a garden, building a food composting box, making non-toxic cleaning products, helping someone change to LED light bulbs throughout their home, etc.

2.    Buy Less

Here are a few questions to use when you feel like you need a new item: is it absolutely necessary? Or do you just want it? Why do you want it? Do I already own another similar item or that could do the same job? What is the reason for my shopping? Where is this item going to live in my home? Is there a place for it? We often buy out of impulse, vanity, and sometimes other emotional complexities that we won't cover here. However, seeking to understand the root of our shopping habits will ultimately aid in curbing our cravings for the new item.  Buying less is not only good for your carbon footprint, but it is amazing for your pocket and for your mind as you will not have to deal with that item in the future as one more thing to have to inventory and later recycle or dispose responsibly.

3.     Air Dry

It is no news to most of us that heat = large amounts of energy. Therefore, air drying hair, dishes, and laundry are great easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint. You can also decrease heat usage only, if you don’t want to eliminate energy drying completely. For example, if you are used to blow drying your hair every day, you can blow dry only on special occasions instead. For drying clothes, I have seen several products that make stretching out a line in the backyard simple and fast. There are also gadgets that can be used for drying clothes inside the home. For drying dishes, you can either let them dry on the rack or towel dry them like our grandmas and most people around the world still do today.

4.     Turn Off When not in Use

Easy as can be! We have a tendency to leave lights and electronics on, and it all adds up. It is a waste all around: your own resources (money), and the resources being used to produce what you are using or wasting, in this case. We are talking about energy and water. Turning off the faucet or shower is easy. Habits take 21 days to solidify. You can try your new green living habit of turning off electricity items and water when not in use and it will make you feel great. You are not only being responsible with the earth but also saving money. Use your extra money on something fun instead!

5.     Dishes and Laundry in Cold Water

Not everyone owns a dishwasher or even washing machine. For those of us that do, washing in hot water seems to be the preferred mode of washing things. However, soap and water are generally enough to clean anything. Hot water takes a significant amount of energy. Therefore, washing your dishes and laundry in cold water every day will amount to a significant decrease in energy usage at the end of the week. You can also take that to the shower and try some cold showers during warmer months. 

6.     Change to a Reusable Water Bottle

Buying plastic bottles only add to the problem of plastic waste everywhere, including in our drinking water. This is very easy things to do. You can choose a stainless steel or glass water bottle. Try to avoid the use of aluminum. It’s not healthy for you.  You can also re-use a glass bottle you already own. I have used kombucha glass bottles as my water bottles. Again, another way to save money. No more need to keep having to buy disposable plastic water bottles. Another item that goes with this is investing in a water filter.

7.     Stop Using Disposables

I know, disposables are easy, but they also fill up our landfill and contribute to the increasing trash crisis we are living. Therefore, either limiting usage to emergency or special occasions only or cutting them out of your life all together, is the recommended course of action here to reduce your carbon footprint.

8.     Use Reusable Shopping Bags

Plastic shopping bags are everywhere: streets, curbs, hiking trails, oceans, lakes, etc. We (humans) are taking grocery bags to these places. If we could simply banished them all together, it would be ideal, but until then, let's just stop using them! Reusable shopping bags are the way to go! Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

9.     Reduce AC/Heater Usage

There are a few options for this suggestion. You can turn off your AC in the fall and spring. Those two seasons are perfect for airing out the house and supplementing with fans if needs be. Early winter and late winter are also great times to turn off the heater and supplement with a nice fire at the fireplace. Using blankets and warm clothing are also helpful for temperature control during the colder months.

10.     Use Less Water

Each of us have different needs in regards to water and also different levels of tolerance in how much to use for certain things. We understand that. However, we all will have to adapt if we run out of water anyway. Many states in the US have already had to re-learn how to save on water, because they do not have another choice. What if all of us started to be more mindful of this now. You can start by thinking about your own lifestyle and pick one or two times during the day where you can significantly diminish the amount of water you currently use. After you make that a new habit, you can choose a couple more times or activities to cut some more of the water there, and so on. Rain water catching and compostable toilets are great ways to reduce your water usage as well.

It takes all of us changing our ways to make an impact. However, if we all think "no one else is doing this", "so I won't either", "it won't make a difference", we will NEVER see change. Making an impact starts with one person choosing to do what they can and inspiring others to do the same. What about you? Are you doing your part?

By Ana Sara Pinto

Helpful sources:

The Natural Conservancy, https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/carbon-footprint-calculator/, July 17th 2024.