The call to protect our environment and the natural beauty of this earth we share is more important now than ever. As we continue to learn more and more about the harm we have caused our planet over the last 50+ years, we are also learning more and more about ways we can do better. And one of those ways is reducing our carbon footprint.
It might feel overwhelming when someone asks you how you plan to do that. Where do you even begin?
Our first piece of advice is don’t feel like you need to make a radical change overnight. Instead, identify a specific area where you can make a little adjustment and start there. Small changes add up over time. To get you started, here are four areas to “Rethink” that can help reduce your carbon footprint.
Rethink Travel and Transportation. Do you really need to fly or can you get there by train? Can you get where you need to go on foot or by bike instead of a vehicle? Can you carpool or rideshare to cut down on the number of cars clogging up the interstate? Will public transportation take you where you need to go?
Rethink Your Home: When was the last time you checked for air leaks or gaps where cold air could enter? It might be time to invest in energy-efficient appliances or windows. Use insulation or caulk to reduce enter and fill with insulation or caulk to reduce your heating and air bills.
Rethink Buying New: Do you really need to replace that vacuum cleaner, or can it be fixed? Do you really need a new pair of shoes or can you buy them second-hand? Obviously, some things can’t be fixed, and some things must be replaced – but before you pull out your credit card, consider this: A study by the EPA found that the “production, transportation, use, and disposal of material goods” creates 40% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Just imagine the impact it could make if more and more people start rethinking every new purchase?
Rethink What You Eat: It’s estimated that 13% of greenhouse gas emissions result from the production and transportation of food. Eat local and in season. Support your neighborhood farmer’s markets and growers. Avoid purchasing food that requires a thousand-mile commute to end up on your table.
But perhaps the most important thing you can do to reduce your carbon footprint is START NOW. There’s no time like the present to start making a difference.
Check out this article for additional info
Carbon Offsets 101: Why We Can’t Offset Our Way Out of the Climate Crisis
https://www.ecowatch.com/