Before we jump into how you can reduce it, let's discuss the meaning of your carbon footprint. Your carbon footprint is the overall amount of climate-changing greenhouse gases which you generate in your everyday life. In addition, despite its name, a carbon footprint encompasses more than just carbon dioxide; methane and nitrous oxide are also a part of this. And the rising problem is as days pass by, we become more dependent on machines, electronic, and electric devices. Nonetheless, these things make our life easier, but our earth doesn't benefit from our comfortable life at all. The more we want to work less and use other energy sources like oil, natural gas, and coal, the earth becomes more uncomfortable and weak.
First and foremost, we must reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. According to the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency), approximately 28 percent of all GHG emissions in the U.S. come from transportation. The first thing you can do is spend less time in your car if you have one. And if you don't have a car, congratulations on your less carbon footprint than the people who have a car. I know it's easier said than done, but your car must be the largest source of your carbon footprint, depending on your lifestyle. But if you are planning to upgrade your car, try to choose a smaller, hybrid, or electric car. This way, you can cut down on your emissions.
Secondly, you can make some easy but impactful changes inside your very home. You can start with proper home size. If possible, living in a small house, an apartment, or a condo is even better. For starters, people who live in smaller houses consume less energy for heating and cooling. As a result of this, people tend to buy fewer items and create less garbage. Additionally, reduce your energy usage by installing a "cool roof" constructed of reflective materials that reflect light away from your home. If you want to go a step further, inquire about the source of electricity from your utility provider and ask if you may sign up for "green pricing" to pay slightly higher rates when you utilize renewable sources.
Finally, let's talk about something we all more or less like doing. Yes, I am talking about shopping in your favorite stores. Almost everything you buy contributes to your carbon footprint, whether a new vinyl record or a kitchen gadget. The process of acquiring a new product begins with the extraction and processing of raw materials, then the production of the product and its packaging, and finally, it gets delivered to the store or you directly. As a result, a lot of GHGs get released into the environment. Before you buy anything, a decent rule of thumb is to ask yourself whether the item is necessary, or if you can borrow it from someone else, or if there are alternatives to the object, which you already probably own. The carbon footprint of your purchase would typically reduce when you buy from local producers and manufacturers. You'll also be helping your community's economy by contributing to local businesses.
The climate issue is not something we can fix overnight. But small changes like these will lead to a brighter future. It's never too late to change your lifestyle for a better world.
Credit: Ebook- The Good Guide to Reducing Your Environmental Impact
Zahin Tasnin
The Carbon Newsprint
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