Leave your car at home two days a week to reduce your annual greenhouse gas emissions by 1,600 lbs.
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Your carbon footprint represents your total greenhouse gas emissions over a given period of time. You release greenhouse gases every day to varying degrees, depending upon your location, lifestyle choices and habits. Greenhouse gases are contributors to climate change, which threatens the well-being of humans and the environment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), new technologies, increased energy efficiency and changes in individual lifestyles can help reduce greenhouse gases (see References 1). Fortunately, many of the changes needed to decrease a carbon footprint also are beneficial for your health and save you money.
At Home
Purchase Energy Star products and appliances. Energy Star is an EPA-backed program that rates the energy efficiency of products. Any product that has earned the Energy Star rating is among the most energy-efficient on the market. (See References 2.)
Replace conventional lightbulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, particularly those marked with the Energy Star label. (See References 2.)
Heat and cool efficiently. Replace air filters, have your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system maintained according to manufacturer's recommendations, and use it only when needed. (See References 2.)
Seal cracks in your home's outer shell and add extra insulation. (See References 2.)
Reduce your consumption of disposable goods. Purchase products and packaging that your municipality can recycle. (See References 2.)
Reduce water consumption. Water your lawn only when necessary and landscape with drought-tolerant plant species. Turn off the water when brushing your teeth and shaving. When replacing water-related household items, look for the EPA-backed WaterSense label, which ensures that the product is among the most water-efficient on the market. (See References 2.)
Eat less meat. If you are a vegetarian, you produce approximately 3,000 lbs. less of carbon dioxide annually than meat eaters (see References 4). Land requirements for plant-based agriculture are a fraction of those needed for meat production. Decreased meat production reduces deforestation and land erosion, as well as air and water pollution (see References 5).
On the Road
Walk, bike or take public transportation. Drive your car only when necessary. Combine multiple errands into one trip. (See References 3.)
Check your car's tires regularly. Properly inflated tires can increase a vehicle's efficiency as much as 3 percent. (See References 3.)
Maintain your vehicle. Follow manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedules, including oil and filter changes. (See References 3.)
Buy efficient vehicles. When replacing a vehicle, consider fuel economy and performance. (See References 3.)
Reduce air travel. Combine trips, take the train or fly nonstop for reduced impact. (See References 4.)
Tips
- Use a carbon footprint calculator to gain a better understanding of your overall impact.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Climate Change -- Emissions; April 2011
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Climate Change --- What You Can Do: At Home; April 2011
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Climate Change --- What You Can Do: On the Road; April 2011
- Carbon Fund: Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
- International Development Research Center; How Meat-centred Eating Patterns Affect Food Security and the Environment; Stephen Leckie
Hailing from Austin, Texas, Beth Berry has been writing since 1995 about sustainable farming, fiber arts and parenting. She brings expertise in organic gardening, landscape design and domestic arts to her writing. Berry holds a Bachelor of Science in environmental science from Abilene Christian University and is a master seamstress.
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