It can be hard to think that something as small as turning off the unused lights in your house can make an impact on the environment. However, every little bit does help! When carbon dioxide is released in the atmosphere it intensifies greenhouse gasses, thus, warming our atmosphere. Take a look at the following top causes of global warming, and what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint!
1. Gasoline and Diesel Used For Transportation
We know you’ve heard this one before, and we know it isn’t always possible to walk or bike to your destination. However, if you are debating driving a few blocks to the grocery store or convenience store, walk if you are able. Also keep in mind, transportation does not only mean personal transport. How do you think your food gets to the grocery store? Try to purchase your goods from local farmers and vendors. These goods traveled a shorter distance and therefore used fewer emissions getting to you!
2. Electricity- Reduce the Carbon Footprint of your Home
At this point, you’re probably an expert in reducing the carbon footprint and increasing your energy savings. In case you need a refresher, here are a few more tips to reduce your energy consumption in your house:
- Use a programmable thermostat
- Choose LED lights
- Weatherstrip and insulate your windows and doors
- Turn your HVAC down during the days when you are not home (increase temperature on warmer days, decrease on cooler days)
3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
Recycling is one of the easiest ways to reduce your personal carbon footprint. While not everything is recyclable, you would be surprised as to how many things are! Glass bottles, plastic bottles, cans, aluminum and more are recyclable and shouldn’t be thrown in the trash. The waste items you throw in the trash are being sent to a landfill, which either sits for decades and does not break down, or is burned. Neither solutions are good for the environment. Do what you can to reduce the landfill-destined trash in your life!
