When I calculated my carbon footprint, it seemed to be a lot higher than the average in my region. The top two categories that seemed to be way above average were Home and Transportation. I noticed that when I added all the lights in my house up, my carbon footprint escalated and the same thing happened when I calculated all of the flights I took. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to lower my carbon footprint without taking out vacations?

Well, you do use like over 50 lights in your house, maybe cut out how many lights you use and make sure to turn off lights after you leave a room.

Well, you can take vacations that don’t go super far from home; vacations that wouldn’t require airplane travel. I took a trip to Albuquerque without any use of airplanes, but I wonder how much carbon that took opposed to airplanes? I presume it was considerably less. As for lights, you should use LEDs, and if all of your lights are already LEDs, you could probably start turning them off when not in use.

Even if their not LEDs, you should still turn them off.

I have the same problem in my home. I agree with Molly about turning them off when you aren't using them and also making sure you are only using necessary ones. As for the transportation maybe where you can, using more efficient modes of transportation.

It is possible to get solar cells and wind turbines for your home, cutting your electricity bill, getting you tax benefits, and reducing your footprint at the same time.

Try not using lights at all during the summer and using the sun's natural lighting instead. Open your blinds

I had the same thing when I calculated mine. My transportation section took up way over half of my carbon footprint. I took a trip to Italy and that had a huge affect on my carbon footprint. I think I am going to try to not go on a lot of big vacations that involve flying to a place.

I had the same problem with transportation, and lights took up most my home section. I am planning on not taking as many trips over seas and cutting down personal transportation as well. As for lights, I would recommend not using them until its too dark to see properly, and turn off the lights when not in use.

Just remembering to just turn off bathroom or closet lights will reduce your carbon footprint since it's the kind of thing most people forget to do.

With the limits of not being in charge of your house, what's been said above is all you can really do, unless your parents have a very open mind and some extra money to spend.

I also had the problem with my home, but really its a simple solution just keep cautious of what you are using and for how long. For example turn off the lights unplug your phone when its done charging. Just small ways that will add up to make your carbon footprint smaller.