- One of the fastest ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to reduce the amount of energy your house uses. It is very simple and will even save you money in the process. Turn off all electronics when not in use. Your lights, television and DVD player use up an enormous amount of energy when they are left running and some electronics even use up energy if they are turned off but still plugged in. To make it more convenient to turn them off, get a power strip. This way you can simply turn the switch to turn all of your electronics off and unplug one plug.
Reduce your central air and heating use by one or two degrees. This will make a huge difference on your electricity bill. Also, turn down your water heater by two degrees. This will also reduce your bill by a significant amount. Wash as many clothes in one load as possible and hang them out to dry. Change out all of your low energy savings light bulbs to compact fluorescent lights.
For bigger changes, switch your energy supplier to a green supplier if available. Green suppliers use only renewable sources such as wind and solar power. Replace all of your appliances with newer ones that have the best energy efficiency rating. This can be expensive but they will pay for themselves after one to four years of use. - Walk or bike to work if it is close enough. You'll do the environment and yourself a favor. If it is much too far away, ask your boss if there is any way you could work from home one or more days a week. As things become more digital, this is something many employers are seizing on to cut their own costs at the office. Otherwise, carpool with your friends and neighbors or ride the bus.
- Don't buy bottled water, buy a filter for your tap. Go to the farmer's market and only buy what is in season. Only buy what was made or produced in a 100-mile radius. Don't buy over-packaged items. Recycle and consider how your actions affect the environment.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -