10 Easy Steps to Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

First of all, what is a carbon footprint?  It’s a word that many of us have become acquainted with but many people might not know exactly what it means.  It is more important than ever for you to be aware of what it is, and how you can help reduce it. 

 A carbon foot print is essentially the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases a person or entity emits while engaging in activities that require the burning of fossil fuels.  Think cars, electricity; anything that requires energy to produce or function.  Industrial plants and factories have a huge carbon footprint, for example.  Long story short, our carbon footprint, or the energy we utilize that releases these gases in the atmosphere is the reason for the progressive global warming of our globe.  Global warming is a looming threat to all of mankind.  What it means is this: Species are dying out, conditions of our waters and land are depleting, and if we do not take action the threat of extinction won’t just be a threat for our mammal friends, but human beings.

It starts at home.  Many people think that reducing your carbon footprint is some daunting task that isn’t financial feasible.  While solar panels and hybrid cars are also solutions, there are smaller steps you can take to reduce that footprint.  Many changes can be made in our lifestyles without compromising them. 

1. Recycle! We all know this by now but many people still don’t. Many neighborhoods offer curbside pick-up all over the country! If your neighborhood does not have curbside pick-up there is more than likely a facility in your area where you can take your recycling. Churches and schools now often times have recycled dumpsters you can also utilize.
2. Shop local and organic! First of all, locally grown means it does not have to travel far to get to you. Did you know a lot of the fruit in your local grocery store is not even from the United States? That means it is flown in or arrives by boat. Coffee is the worst, as it almost always travels from far away. That is a lot of expelled energy. Get fair trade coffee. It will be fresh and you will reduce your carbon footprint and support the local economy! Also, organic means that it was more than likely grown in an eco-friendly way which means little to no chemicals, better for you, better for the earth: Win!
3. Stop using bottled water! Buy a reusable water bottle or a canteen. There are many stylish ones in a range of sizes these days. You can filter your own water with a filter that can attach to your faucet or a pitcher that filters. Bottled water production makes a huge carbon footprint. The bottles are made at one location and shipped all over. You can get quality drinking water by simply using a home filtration system. You will save money too.
4. Buy Recycled Plastic lumber and Recycled Plastic Patio furniture instead of wood. This new development called HDPE lumber utilizes over 90% recycled plastic milk jugs, and various recycled plastic of the like. It outlasts and outperforms wood in many ways and offers as much strength as the strongest woods if not more. It does not require refinishing or repainting so that in itself is a green thumbs up. Not to mention you are promoting an industry that utilizes 90% recycled goods. You can invest in Patio Furniture or Adirondack Furniture that will stand up to any weather and also looks cool! It also doesn’t have to travel far because it is all made here rather than imported. It just wouldn’t make sense to export our reusable waste overseas and then have it shipped back in the form of Adirondack chairs, would it?
5. Shrink your energy bill and energy-proof your home! Switch to fluorescent light bulbs which use 75 percent less energy than normal bulbs and last longer. They are initially more expensive, but save you money in the long run. Make sure all of your windows close properly, and that your attic is properly insulated. Take good care of your heating cooling systems so that they run efficiently.
6. Having plants is always a good thing for reducing your carbon footprint but take it a step further. Embrace native plants and organic soils and plant foods in your yard or garden. Use native plant species when landscaping because they will grow more easily and will travel a shorter distance to get to your local nursery. Use organic soils and plant foods because these organic products utilize eco-friendly methods and materials; no chemicals. This benefits you, and the earth!
7. Try to use cold water when you can. This doesn’t mean you have to take cold showers, but try washing your clothes on a cold water cycle. It takes a lot of energy to produce hot water.
8. Unplug your appliances when you are not using them. Many electronic items still drain energy even when they are not on.
9. Keep your present car in good condition so that it gets good gas milage, emits less fumes, and lasts a long time. It is easy to say, go buy a hybrid or electric car, but the manufacturing of cars hybrid or not still creates a large carbon foot print. So maintain your present car so that its life is extended and your pocketbook gets a bit more rest until it is time for the next big car purchase.
10. Is your bike in the garage getting dusty? Add a basket to your bike and take a ride to your local grocer instead of getting in your car. There are many benefits to utilizing your bicycle. You will get a good workout, you won’t overbuy at the store, and you won’t over buy at the store because you have to fit it in your basket.