7 Simple Things You Can Do At Home To Reduce Your Carbon Footprintby Carol Evenson | 24-12-2020 05:36 |
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You use energy in almost everything you do around the house. Over time, even small actions can contribute significantly to a household's carbon footprint. Luckily, there are lots of things you can do to cut back. These seven simple swaps will have you living a greener, more sustainable life in no time at all. 1. Rethink Your Laundry Routine The average American family does 8-10 loads of laundry each week. That's a lot of water, electricity and detergents over the course of a year. A few changes to your laundry routine can really help cut back on utility usage and your household's carbon footprint. Invest in a high-capacity, energy-efficient washer and dryer and use cold water whenever possible for starters. Let clothes dry on a clothesline or indoor drying rack to further reduce energy use. 2. Switch to Green Cleaners The cleaners you use may also be harming the environment. Switch to natural ones where it is feasible. If their sometimes high prices are outside your budget, try making your own. Homemade cleaners can work just as well as commercially available ones. So, with a few basic household ingredients, such as vinegar and baking soda, plus some Young Living essential oils, you will be ready to tackle even big messes naturally. 3. Combine Shopping Trips Stop for a minute and think about how many small trips you make every day. If you are driving a car or truck, each one contributes to your carbon footprint. Wherever possible, work to combine trips to conserve fuel and lower emissions. Carpooling to work or school can get them down even lower. 4. Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, heating and cooling are responsible for the largest portion of a home's utility costs. Routine maintenance on your HVAC system will help it operate more efficiently, which means it will use less energy. Regular tune-ups can also help identify problems early so your system lasts longer. That eliminates the materials and energy required to produce a new one. 5. Seal Windows and Doors Old, leaky windows and doors can result in a drafty home and a lot of extra energy use. There are plenty of products on the market that can address this issue. Minimally expanding foam is great for larger gaps. Be sure to use the type designed specifically for use around windows and doors to avoid warping the frames. Weatherstripping kits and floor sweeps are effective for doors. You can also follow these tips to seal windows with caulking. 6. Grow Your Own Food The simple act of planting a garden can translate into a much smaller carbon footprint over time, especially if you are able to plant fruits and vegetables in the space. Start a composting system to complement the garden and you are reducing food waste, too. If you plan properly, you can supplement a good amount of your regular diet. You don't need a lot of room to get a good harvest. Raised beds and techniques like square foot gardening are helpful in maximizing the amount you can grow in a small space. 7. Step Up Your Recycling Recycling is one of the core tenants of sustainability. With a little planning and effort, most of what you purchase can be recycled. Glass, plastic, paper, cardboard and many metals are all recyclable. Electronics, appliances and batteries require special handling, so they may have to go to a special facility to be properly recycled. Yard waste and food scraps can be easily composted. Consider finding alternative uses for non-recyclable items. It isn't difficult to lower your carbon footprint. Making small switches to everyday tasks can really add up over time. |
