For us to reduce our carbon footprint, we should first know what our footprint is. Go to www.carbonfootprint.com/ to get you calculated carbon footprint. Once you find out yours, you can then find ways to reduce it. You can make minor adjustments to your life that can make a big difference.
The first step in reducing your carbon footprint, is to take advantage of the recycling opportunities available. I would think we could recycle about 70-80% of the items you use. There are easy options in almost communities today. Recycle everything possible, including; electronics, metal, cell phones, paper, plastic, cardboard, and newspapers. Check in your area for the options you have.
Buy recycled items. I have noticed more companies focusing on the environment. You can buy everything from kitchen items, to clothing. You can even buy recycled toilet paper. Focus on the companies that offer these products, they usually do more than make items out of recycled material. Many of them do things around the world that helps our environment.
There are many free cycle groups online. I am a member of a yahoo freecycle group in my area. What I have learned is, you can post items you currently need, or give things away that you no longer need. These groups are free to join, and have many members that are actively doing this. Basically, you decide on an item you would like, or find a person that would like your item. You will then set up a pick up time, and that’s it. It is actually that easy to get and give items. You can also shop at second hand stores, or yard sales. Most of the items are slightly used, if used at all. This reduces our landfill uses, shipping emissions, emissions from manufacturing these items.
Try to reduce your driving. When you have errands to run, try to do it all at once. Plan it out so you will drive less in the day. Walk to work, if you are able. Take advantage of public transportation in your area. Do not grocery shop multiple times a month. Make a shopping list, and reduce your trips to two or three times a month.
Cut back on your water usage. There are many different options to do this. Buy a water saver shower head, and take shorter showers. Wash less loads of clothing. Buy energy star rated appliances. They use much less water, as well as power.
Some of the items we purchase come from far away. Usually over seas. That means each item is flown, or shipped thousands of miles. If you buy locally you save all of those emissions from being put into our environment. You will also be helping the economy in your area. You can also
filter your own water, this will save the shipping. Most bottles are also shipped for thousands of miles. Think about every item you use, or consume. Where does it come from? How many miles did it travel to get here? Is there other, greener items that can be substituted for that item?
Take vacations closer to your home. Take your family camping for a weekend. Check your area for a nice family friendly location. There are many places that you will not have to drive far, or eat out every day. Camping can be fun, and thee are different options for meals. Find recipes online, or ask an employee at a camping store for there advice.
These are just a few ways to reduce your carbon footprint. I am sure there are many more. Think about your live, and your carbon footprint. Decide on small things that you can change that will, in the long run, drastically reduce it. Get your family involved, and set up a plan for everyone to be involved with the process.
