With the increasing population, damage to the environment has also increased substantially. Every individual’s lifestyle has an impact. You’re doing the right thing by actively seeking to reduce your personal carbon footprint. There are many areas you can focus your efforts on – opting for sustainable energy and heating, purchasing an electric or hybrid car, as well as reducing, reusing and recycling.
Regardless of how sustainable you aim to be, there is no way to avoid using energy or consuming. You can, however, become more environmentally conscious with your consumption. Here, we will dive into how you can reduce your carbon footprint.
Opt for solar energy
Solar energy is the most sustainable energy source as the energy is derived from the sun as opposed to harmful fossil fuels. In this manner, you cut out the toxins that are emitted by fossil fuels.
Not only is solar energy better for the environment, but it will save you money in the long run as the electricity you use is essentially free. The initial cost of installing solar panels and a solar battery is quite expensive, however, this is paid off over time by avoiding hefty electric bills.
Only invest in a sustainable heater if you need one
While the best option would be not to use a heater at all, if you live in a cold location or have colder periods which are unbearable without heating, you should consider installing a heat pump. Heat pumps don’t burn or emit toxins – instead, little amounts of energy are used. Even better, it is multipurpose as you can utilise it for both heating and air conditioning.
Nowadays, as technology has advanced, heat pumps include sustainable features which enable the heat pump to use very little energy. Some heat pumps have human activity and sunlight sensors which avoid using energy when it isn’t required. Do you research to find the best heat pump that includes sustainable features for your home by reading this heat pump glossary.
If you are able to afford the initial investment of solar energy, maintaining a comfortable temperature becomes even more sustainable.
Purchase an electric car or hybrid vehicle
Did you know a significant 13 percent of greenhouse emissions are produced by transportation? This comes as a collective contribution from millions of people throughout the world. Just you, as one individual, choosing to opt for an electric car instead does have a positive impact on the planet. It may help influence others to do the same. Running an electric car doesn’t pollute the air with harmful chemicals like that of a general car which burns fuel.
Similar to solar panels, the initial cost of an electric car will be more, however, you will save money over the lifetime of the vehicle. This is due to charging an electric vehicle to full capacity only costs around 30 cents a litre. The key benefits of reducing carbon emissions means that by 2030, a large number of car brands will only sell these sustainable vehicles. Fortunately, every year, electric vehicles become cheaper and cheaper to purchase with fee rebates – expectedly, in the future, the total price is set to be on par with general cars.
Reduce, reuse and recycle in as many areas as possible
Now that you have looked into your options for everyday energy and fuel consumption, it’s important to think about the energy, fuel and material it takes to create the items you purchase. Minimising what you own, avoiding purchasing new or purchasing at all, and instead, focusing on what you already have can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
For example, to create one pair of jeans, it takes 1800 gallons of water to produce just one pair of jeans. That doesn’t take into account the electricity, additional material and fossil fuel burnt by transporting all the goods.
Evaluating what you already own, and selling items you simply won’t wear again, gives those items another life and helps to avoid the new owner purchasing brand new clothes. Once you have minimised your current belongings, you will only own items you love and wear, and this means you can repurpose. The end goal is to refrain from buying more. Capsule wardrobes are the perfect example of this. When items have had a full lifetime, try and recycle as much as possible. Utilising terracycle is a great tip for beauty products.
With these tips in hand, you will directly reduce your carbon footprint. Well done for putting in the effort.
Olivia Fairhurst is a business owner and content manager for various clients, including Future Energy. Olivia studied a degree in communications, majoring in journalism and has past experience as a journalist and Senior PR executive.
