What are some ways to reduce your carbon footprint? This seems to be a question many of us are asking. Recent conversations around plastic pollution and diet have led to many people thinking about their daily habits. It’s no secret that the state of our home – planet Earth – is seriously at risk. We need to be talking about environmental sustainability and how we, as individuals, can come together to create positive change – for our own sake and for the well-being of our home.
The question is how.
Where do we even begin? For many, the problem seems too big to even tackle. When it comes to climate change and global warming, we have to act fast. But that doesn’t mean we should lose hope. Quite the contrary: we have to use our momentum to come together and work as a global community.
Before we begin to think about our action points, let’s first talk about our responsibility as active citizens and what we need to do to raise awareness and demand that our political leaders make sustainability a priority on their agenda.
First Steps
Our intentions matter, and if we want a better world, we have to first visualize it. But this means doing our homework and knowing the facts. How can you change your lifestyle and habits if you don’t understand their impact? We’ve written about our top documentaries – these films really get you thinking about your footprint and cover many environmental topics.
Once we’re up-to-date about what’s happening to our planet, we have to start thinking about our elect leaders. Our votes matter, and who comes into power also matters. So, like it or not, sustainability has everything to do with politics. Get involved and get active. Put what you’ve learned into action. Join local initiatives, volunteer your time and raise awareness.
The Practical Side of Things
So, what are practical ways to reduce carbon footprint? Once you’ve recognized what’s really happening and have learned who benefits from a warmer planet (hint: there’s a reason Trump wants out of the Paris agreement, and it’s not because of you and me), you can put your values into action. And this is important because our daily practices matter. What we choose and what we buy are also ways of voting.
So, let’s talk about daily habits.
Ways to Reduce your Carbon Footprint
There are many ways to get on board, and you don’t have to do them all today. Here are 3 simple ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Start where you feel comfortable, and slowly, with time, you’ll realize that you’re working towards a green lifestyle.
1. Diet
According to an article by CNN, “emissions from beef and lamb production are 250 times higher than those from legumes, per gram of protein, and pork and poultry are 40 times higher than legumes. In addition, a large amount of methane and nitrous oxide, gases that are more than 20 times and 250 times more powerful than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas, are generated through livestock-raising activities.”
One of the best and easiest things you can do for the planet (and the animals) is to reduce your meat and dairy. If going vegan scares you, then start off by transitioning. Every step counts.
2. Plastic
Just recently, a dead pilot whale was found in Thailand. Almost 20 pounds of plastic waste was found in the whale’s stomach. Our plastic consumption and waste culture are ruining innocent lives and their habitats.
Plastic doesn’t serve any of us. Instead, it destroys the oceans, the planet, and our health. One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to reduce your plastic consumption.
3. Transport
When talking about global warming, we can’t ignore travel and transport. Flying is one of the most significant contributors. But vehicle goes beyond occasional travelling. It also includes your daily habits: how do you go from A to B. Can you walk? Cycle? Carpool? Think about your transport and travel methods. Write down some goals, and try to reduce your reliance on planes and cars as much as possible.
These are some of the many ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Remember, like everything else, this, too, is a journey. Do your absolute best, but also be kind to yourself.
