Both as individuals and as a society, it is important that we take our carbon footprint seriously and do everything we can to reduce how much damage we cause to the planet every single day. The looming threat of climate change is real, and more of us are starting to wake up to the reality of what our future world will look like if we don’t start making drastic changes to our way of life. There are many steps of action that can be taken to help save our planet, and even the smallest of changes can add up to make a significant difference.
Many people state that they would like to lower their carbon footprint but don’t know how to go about it. Some make the mistake of assuming that reducing their carbon footprint is difficult, but even the smallest of changes can make a huge difference. Therefore, we have put together this guide to provide you with all the information you need to know about how to reduce how much damage you are doing to the planet.
Eat less meat
The most effective single action that you can do today to reduce your carbon footprint and combat the effects of climate change is to stop eating meat. Even just limiting your meat intake can make a considerable difference. This is because a range of different agricultural practices have all been found to have negative effects on the environment. Meat production has a huge carbon footprint as it contributes to water and land degradation, coral reef degeneration, and deforestation. Additionally, it is estimated that livestock farming is responsible for around 18 percent of the greenhouse gases that are human-produced across the globe.
Don’t buy fast fashion
Many of us are guilty of following the latest fashion trends that tend to not hang around for very long and the majority of the main retailers that we buy clothes from use a process of fast fashion in order to provide an endless amount of on-trend products at a low price. You may find a $5 T-shirt and feel happy at the low price, but what you don’t consider is the cost that the production of that cheap t-shirt has cost the environment. These pieces of cheap clothing eventually end up in landfills all around the globe which contributes to the estimated 15 million tons of textile waste. As an alternative, you should re-purpose old clothing and invest in handmade items that are made from more environmentally friendly materials.
Use other forms of transport
Another easy way that you can cut your carbon footprint on a daily basis is by choosing to take public transport or walking instead of driving everywhere. It is all too easy to jump in the car and get to where we want to go, but it is causing grave damage to the environment. There are lots of different options when it comes to getting around, from electric bikes to the solar-paneled and hybrid buses that are in action all over the US.
Unplug your devices
All of the electronics that you have plugged in at home are using up energy even if they are turned off or powered down. Therefore, you should do your part to bring down the $19 billion worth of energy that goes to waste every year by unplugging all devices from the main power source unless you are using them. This will help to save the planet, while also saving you money. Everyone has some way that they can lower their carbon footprint and try to limit the damage that is being caused to our planet every day, and each individual action contributes to collective action.
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