The climate crisis has reached a tipping point, and it’s incumbent on everyone to reevaluate their individual impact and what they can do to respond. Here are three things that you can do to reduce your carbon footprint.

1. Power Your Home With Renewable Energy

One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint for everyday living is to provide power to your home with a renewable energy source. Unfortunately, many states have continued to allow power to be supplied by corporations who practice extremely hazardous environmental practices. Last year, approximately 23.5% of electricity consumed in the United States came from burning coal. Unfortunately, renewable energy sources comprised the smallest percentage of all electricity consumed. Individuals have to take action in order to help bring an end to the needless environmental destruction caused by over reliance on coal energy. Reduce your household’s fossil fuel consumption by installing an independent solar energy power supply in your home. One of the benefits of solar energy is that it can reduce or eliminate your dependence on unsustainable energy while providing you with uninterrupted access to a renewable power source that has no negative environmental impact.  

2. Purchase Electric or Fuel Efficient Transportation

If you drive an oversized SUV but don’t really need one, you may wish to reconsider your choice of vehicle. As social attitudes towards the climate crisis are changing, these types of vehicles may soon be regarded as ostentatiously as the once popular Hummer model large SUV. These fuel-inefficient vehicles sharply depreciated in value after the hybrid movement in the last decades, and owners typically saw a very poor return on resale. Likewise, SUV owners may suffer a similar fate as Teslas and Smart cars become the new norm. You’re better assured to see a return on your investment if you purchase a car that operates on electricity or a combination of electricity and fuel. Moreover, electric cars or hybrid cars can help you to save money on your transportation costs. In addition, you can be proud that you’re participating in important and urgently needed change. You’ll be setting the right example on the road for other drivers, and collectively, everyone can force automakers to respond responsibly to the urgency of the climate crisis.

3. Change Your Transportation Habits

When people started driving less in 2020 to comply with quarantine efforts, many of the most polluted cities saw a dramatic reduction in air pollution. Fewer cars on the road revealed clear and blue skies for the first time in decades. If you can reduce the amount that you drive, you can help make a difference. Consider using shared transportation or carpooling. In effect, fewer drivers on the road will help air quality and make densely populated areas more navigable and livable. Alternatively, a great and healthy way to use less fuel on the road is to bike. If you’re traveling a distance of just a few miles during seasonable weather, a bike may be a great option. You don’t have to worry about wasting fuel, contending with traffic, or finding parking. In addition, it’s a great opportunity to get some low-impact and healthy physical activity into your day.

Some people who have acknowledged the severity of the climate crisis have regarded it somewhat abstractly or as being far off in the future. Many powerful corporate interest groups have put serious money and effort into trying to make people dismiss the immediacy of the crisis. However, recent setbacks in environmental policies combined with appreciable effects of the crisis happening across the globe is compelling a lot of conscientious individuals to reevaluate the situation. Thankfully, people are recognizing that they have the power to help save the earth by bringing an end to harmful and unnecessary fossil fuel consumption.