Reduce Your Carbon Footprint : 7 Instant Ways

2. Unplug Your Devices

You might be amazed to learn that all electronics suck energy when they’re plugged in, EVEN IF they’re powered down. In the U.S. alone, “vampire power” is superintend for draining up to $19 billion in energy every year. Anytime a cord is plugged into a socket, it’s drawing energy – so although your device isn’t charging, you’re still contributing to your carbon footprint. Simple solution? Leave your electronics unplugged at all times, unless you’re actually using them. This is the best way to reduce your energy bill and you can save the world by Reducing Your Carbon Footprint.

3. Drive Less

Choose to walk, bike, or take the bus – leave the car at home, and you’ll be making an easy decision with immediate results. Many people are opting to bike to work, especially with bike lanes becoming more widespread. Cities are finally investing in the necessary infrastructure to make it easier not to own a car. There are over 65 million cyclists in the United States, a number that has risen prominent over the past five years. Increasing populations have made effective public transportation more necessary than ever, and options like subways, trains, buses, and rapid transit continue to grow. Many new bus routes are even turning to hybrids, solar power, and other eco-friendly alternatives. In the U.S., public transportation saves 37 million tons of carbon emissions every year. Cities are also increasing walk-ability, with architects incorporating more outdoor and green spaces, and new buildings focused on green infrastructure and community engagement. This is a step to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint.

4. Don’t Buy “Fast Fashion”

Many major clothing retailers practice what is known as “fast fashion” – selling an endless cycle of must-have trends at exceptionally low prices. Have you ever wondered how it’s possible to pay only $4 for that t-shirt? In this consumer society, we think of fashion as disposable – after all, if I only pay $4 I might not think twice about throwing it away. Heaps and heaps of clothing ends up in the landfill, often to justify buying the latest styles. We’re talking over 15 million tons of textile waste – with quantity over quality, fast fashion retailers can charge next to nothing for items that are huge-produced. They push these garments to sell by creating more fashion “cycles” or “seasons” – where there used to be 4 per year, there’s now often 12 to 15. There’s also the issue of contamination: almost half of our clothing is made with cotton, And unless it’s labeled as “organic” cotton, there’s a high chance that it’s inherit-ably modified cotton sprayed with lots of pesticides (including known carcinogens). This can be desecrate to neighboring non-GMO crops, cause water contamination, reduce biodiversity, and have negative impacts on human health. Don’t forget that anything made overseas has a huge environmental thwack– from the physical act of shipping a product across the ocean, to the chemical runoff from garment factories (leather tanneries are especially bad). As if that’s not enough, fast fashion is an industry still largely propped up by child labor. Toxic to the environment, disastrous to human rights – who needs it? Try alternatives like re-purposing old clothing, choosing locally handmade garments, buying vintage, or participating in clothing swaps with family and friends. This is best way to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint.

5. Plant a Garden

Whether you live in a house or an apartment, planting some greens is a quick and easy way to reduce your carbon footprint. We all know plants absorb carbon dioxide – an appropriate relationship for humans, that we should all be seeking to nurture. Plant some bee-friendly flowers, a few trees, or a vegetable garden. Balcony gardens are great for urban accommodations. Cities often need to reduce the “urban heat island” effect – basically, cities tend to be hotter than rural areas because of vast walkway areas, concrete buildings, and increased human activity. Creating more spaces for plants, grasses, and trees can mitigate this effect and lead to better cooling, which will be a necessity with worsening climate change. Help avoid the “heat island” effect by planting trees for shade, or maybe try a green roof or community garden. By Planting a tree you can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint.