All of you have calculated your emissions and you have surely discovered the unexpectedly high impact of some of your behaviors (eating meat, flying to a sunny destination, etc.) on your total footprints.
Are there any behaviors that you are really willing to change or to improve for the sake of the environment? What challenges do you encounter or think you will encounter while trying to change these things? What help, support, and insights from others would make your life easier with these new behaviors?
Let's discuss these issues and make our pledges here!
Now It's Time for Action >
How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
There are numerous ways that you can reduce your carbon footprint and prevent climate change. Most of these things are very simple and can be done without much effort. You can take showers instead of baths. Showers use only 1/5 of the energy required to take a bath. You should also use cold water, since 90% of the energy to take a shower is used to heat the water. Another important thing you should do is to filter your tap water for drinking. It can save you a lot of money if you usually buy water bottles. Using energy-efficient appliances and unplugging electronics when they aren't in use can also help you save money and greatly reduce your carbon footprint. Many of the fruits and vegetables you buy at the store are not locally grown and have to be imported from distant farms. If you have the choice, you should always try to eat only locally grown foods or plant your own garden. CFL bulbs last 15 times longer than regular bulbs and use 80% less energy. Just one bulb can reduce 1300 pounds of carbon dioxide pollution. You can lower your electricity bill by turning your t hermostat off when you aren't at home and by closing your curtains in the summer and leaving them open in the winter. You can also use ceiling fans instead of leaving your A/C on all the time. Using solar energy or some other clean renewable energy source can lower your greenhouse gas emissions. Driving a fuel efficient car or taking the bus is another way to help the environment. These are just some of the ways to help save the environment. By doing these things, you can greatly reduce your family's carbon footprint and provide a better, cleaner world for future generations.
Thank you for this! When I calculated my carbon footprint I was drawn aback by how much larger it was than I thought. It kind of feels like there's not much we can do. We HAVE to drive to school daily, and it's not like we can just move to a smaller house. But these suggestions are very helpful and will make it easier for people to be more conscious of their everyday decisions