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 I Can Help
In the results for my carbon footprint calculation, it showed that at home my results were really high. I searched up ways to reduce my greenhouse gas emissions at home and I found tips that can be beneficial for everyone and not only me.
- Using less Hot Water
I admit that my showers are unnecessarily long, showers are meant to get you clean, but a lot of people (like me) just stand under the water and it goes to the drain without being used. In order to use less, we could start buying shower heads with a lower flow, and take cooler quicker showers. Also, we could begin washing laundry with cold water instead of hot.
- Use less AC and heat
My house doesn't have AC, so typically when it's hot outside we open some windows and use fans. When it's cold, we usually just turn on the heat, but there are other ways to warm up. For example, when everyone in the house is sleeping, the heat doesn't need to be on, it can be set to a regular temperature because everyone in my house is under at least two blankets. Also, cold weather is a good time to bundle up and wear clothes to keep warm and blankets as well.
-Turn off electronics when you're not using them
I rarely power off my phone and my computer, if I ever do it, it's because I want to preserve its battery. But, when you fully power off a phone or computer, you're reducing the amount of electrical energy used. I sleep around 8 hours usually, and while I'm sleeping I could be reducing the amount of electricity my computer and phone use by turning it off, and my family members can do it too.
All of these ways can help me reduce my family's carbon footprint and help the environment.
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https://www.nps.gov/pore/learn/nature/c … n_home.htm
Another idea to add is to reuse, many harsh materials like plastic and foils are thrown away and that also causes a high carbon foot print. A simple way to reduce the amount of waste you are producing, is to use re-usable containers and re-usable bags!
You're totally right! Re-using is definitely a great way to reduce your carbon footprint at home. Thanks!
I agree with all of these ideas. One big challenge in my family is taking long, hot showers every day, and cutting down on them could definitely help. My parents sometimes put a bucket in our shower to catch excess water, and we use that water to water plants outside. Additionally, wearing extra jackets or blankets is a great way to lower your electricity. We have grown accustomed to the simplicity of turning on the heat, without thinking of its environmental impact. You also make a strong point in electricity. Every night, my family members and I charge our phones and laptops. Leaving them plugged in all night, even after they are fully charged, wastes a lot of electricity. These are all great ideas to reduce a family's carbon footprint and putting them into effect could make a big difference!