The climate crisis is the result of increasing CHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions, widely referenced as CO2 emissions. The longer actions are delayed on the issue, the worse its likely effects would be. Every business, individual, government, and organization plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to protect the environment and ensure a healthy climate with a reduced carbon footprint. Let’s learn a few things about carbon footprint before identifying ways to reduce it to promote a sustainable environment for generations to come.

What is Carbon Footprint, and Why Does it Matter?

Carbon footprint refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an entity’s indirect and direct activities, including the things we use, buy, or consume. It is typically calculated using the total carbon footprint for a year. The smaller the carbon footprint, the better for the planet’s future.

Businesses, individuals, and communities can measure their carbon footprint using online calculators. It helps reflect on the reality regarding the amount of greenhouse gases being produced yearly due to your actions, activities, or lifestyle. The carbon footprint is crucial for understanding the impact of certain activities on global warming. Therefore, assessing the carbon footprint is a great place to start your journey towards taking viable action against climate change. Now let’s look at a few daily activities that create greenhouse gases and ways to reduce your carbon footprint.

Transportation

Vehicles on the road produce methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide. Studies show that a passenger vehicle typically emits an average of 5.4 metric tons of CO2 yearly. The numbers can vary based on the vehicle’s fuel economy, fuel, and the number of miles driven. Reducing vehicle usage is a significant way to reduce your carbon footprint. Try investing in an electric or hybrid vehicle or take public transport. Better yet, cycle or walk whenever you can to neutralize the footprint.

 

 

Energy

Energy consumption significantly impacts the environment. However, several things can be done to make a difference. Be mindful of the temperature when you’re cooling or heating, and try to opt for energy-efficient appliances that have an Energy Star logo by the EPA. Consider installing solar panels or replacing your light bulbs with LEDs. They last longer and help save a considerable amount each month in energy bills. Speaking of lights, remember to turn off the appliances and extra lights when you’re not using them to avoid phantom load.

Water

Changing climate, pollution, and many other factors are creating severe water shortages worldwide. Play your part by taking shorter showers, turn off the tap when you’re scrubbing your hands while washing them or brushing your teeth, and make sure none of the taps are dripping. Try to run the dishwasher only when it’s full and consider buying items that take less water to make.

Waste

Statistics reveal that each person throws out approximately 1100 pounds of organic waste that could’ve been composted every year. Moreover, the disposed of plastic waste often floats in waterways or remains buried in landfills for thousands of years. It disrupts the habitats and causes harmful bacteria and chemicals to leach and spread into the groundwater. The gases produced by the waste in landfills can also contribute to climate change and create smog if left uncontrolled.

Fast fashion is detrimental to the planet, as many fabrics are quickly sold and binned, just like single-use plastics. And it takes hundreds of years to decompose. Generally, try switching to reusable items such as coffee cups, shopping bags, and other essentials. If it’s time to get rid of them, do it responsibly. Clean items before throwing and recycle correctly. Search for organizations that welcome unwanted items or have designated bins for used batteries, soft plastics, and similar items.

 

 

When it comes to food scraps, you can get a food waste composting machine for your home to turn the scraps into compost for your garden. Generally, opt for items with less or no packaging to reduce your entire waste overall. You can also make it a habit to only purchase most items from brands using eco-friendly packaging and environmentally healthy practices.

You can begin your journey to sustainability by ordering eco-conscious products online from TP Green. The reliable biodegradable product store offers a wide variety of non-plastic disposable products, reusables, eco-friendly packing, and plenty of things for streamlining a much eco-friendly lifestyle.

You can buy non-toxic tableware and non-plastic disposable products like eco-friendly grocery bags, disposable bin liners, sustainable porcelain dinnerware, palm leaf plates, and reusable bamboo cutlery. Environment enthusiasts can also find a range of the best non-toxic room sprays, the best essential oil burners, candle care kits, fragrances, and many other innovative, chic, sustainable, compostable, and eco-conscious products online at TP Green.

Stock up on eco-friendly products to maintain a clean and safe environment. Visit the online store today to learn more.