Green living is becoming increasingly popular and more people want to adopt eco-friendly habits to reduce their environmental impact. Simple changes to your lifestyle can lower your carbon footprint and help you lead a healthier and more sustainable life.
Here are some easy
ways to make your life greener this year:
Use Green Methods of Transport
Personal vehicles are one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and the average car produces 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Choosing greener methods of transport is one of the easiest ways to reduce your environmental impact and save money on travel.
Walk or cycle to your destination when possible and avoid using your car for short or unnecessary journeys. Walking is a great source of exercise and it will allow you to reach your destination without causing any pollution. Traveling by public transport is also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and it’s much less expensive than paying for petrol and parking.
If you need a car, then look for
eco-friendly designs like electric or hybrid vehicles that produce fewer
emissions and are better for the environment. You should also try to limit
yourself to one car in your household and car share when possible.
Conserve Energy At Home
Conserving energy is one of the best things
you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. Adopting energy-saving habits can
have a big impact on how much energy you use. Here are some easy ways to save
energy at home:
●
Always
switch lights and electronics off when you’re not using them.
●
Turn
devices off from the wall and avoid leaving them on standby mode.
●
Only
run your washing machine and dishwasher on a full load.
●
Replace
traditional light bulbs with low-energy designs like LEDs.
●
Take
short showers instead of baths to conserve water.
●
Turn
the tap off while you are brushing your teeth or shaving.
● Make the most of natural sunlight.
You can also improve your home’s energy
performance by completing energy-efficient upgrades. You could install extra
insulation to prevent heat loss or invest in smart home technology, for
example. The government has introduced various green home initiatives to make buildings
more sustainable. You may be able to apply for grants and
subsidies to help you afford green home improvements.
Cut Out Plastic Waste
Plastic pollution is causing serious damage to our planet and aquatic ecosystems. According to plasticoceans.org, “humans are currently producing around 380 million tonnes of plastic waste every year.” Many plastic items are single-use and get throw away straight after they are used. Only around 9% of plastic waste is currently recycled and the rest ends up in landfills or is dumped into the ocean.
You can help fight plastic pollution by
cutting our plastic waste. Avoid disposable plastic items and switch to
eco-friendly alternatives. For instance, use a metal or bamboo straw instead of
a plastic one and take a reusable shopping bag to the grocery store instead of
relying on single-use plastic bags.
Switch To Renewables
There has been a big push on renewable energy in recent years to help reduce pollution and fight global warming. Renewables generate energy from sustainable sources such as solar or wind, instead of traditional fossil fuels like coal and gas.
The easiest way to switch to renewables is
by moving to a green energy provider that offers a 100% renewable tariff.
Switching is quick and easy and many energy provides offer incentives such as
vouchers or free gifts when you switch.
Don’t Waste Food
A recent survey revealed that the average American family wastes 250 pounds of food a year! This means that people are throwing away roughly a third of what they buy. Food waste is destroying the environment, depleting valuable natural resources, and costing people hundreds or thousands of dollars a year.
You can avoid food waste by planning your
meals and writing a detailed shopping list before you go to the grocery store.
Only buy what you need and make sure that you eat food before it goes past its
expiry date. Keep any leftovers and reheat for lunch or dinner the next day,
rather than throwing leftover food in the bin.
Summary
Global warming is having a devastating
effect on our planet and everyone should try and lower greenhouse gas emissions
by leading a greener lifestyle. Use the above suggestions to help you make
positive changes that will reduce your carbon footprint, help the environment,
and save money.
0 Comments