A carbon footprint is a measure of how much the production or consumption of a product contributes to global warming. The higher your carbon footprint, the more you are contributing to climate change, which is a reality that we all need to face. If we don’t start making changes now, our planet will be in a lot of trouble in the future.
This is why we have made a short article about how to reduce your everyday carbon footprint by choosing companies and operators that value sustainability, and making better decisions at home.
Choose companies and operators that value sustainability
A large portion of your carbon footprint stems from the choices you make in terms of companies, operators, and services. Following, you can significantly reduce your footprint by making the right choices. You can for example purchase energy-efficient appliances, use public transportation or ride-sharing services instead of driving a car, and buy organic food and products that are made locally.
In short, you should privately check whether companies that have a sustainability plan – an example of this is flexistore, which has been written about a lot in Norway lately; a country that ranks as number three in US news’ list “Best Countries for Green Living.”
Finding out whether a given company emphasizes sustainability in their operations should be simple, as this is often made public on their websites.
Tips for reducing your carbon footprint at home
In order to reduce your carbon footprint, it is important to start with your house. There are many ways that you can make your home more eco-friendly, and the best part is that these changes will positively impact the environment and your wallet.
The first step is to make sure that you are using energy-efficient appliances. This includes using LED light bulbs, water-efficient toilets, and Energy Star appliances, which are recommended based on the energy consumption of products and devices using various standardized methods. You should also be mindful of the amount of time that you spend in front of screens and try to limit it as much as possible.
The second step is to reconsider where you are wasting energy, and where you actually need it. For example, do you keep the lights on in a room, even when you’re not there? Do you keep the electrical heating ovens on, even when it’s warm outside? Or do you put on the washing machine when it’s not filled up with dishes?
An eco-friendly home can also be achieved by utilizing natural elements. By incorporating plants, trees, and outdoor spaces into your home design, you will be creating a space that is more comfortable and livable. Some ideas for this type of addition include replacing furniture with bamboo or pallets, installing solar panels for energy sources, and creating shade with plants or trees.
How far you want to take it depends completely on you, but any step towards sustainability will help reduce the environmental impact your choices and habits have.