Did you know carbon dioxide emissions have gone up by 90% in the past 50 years? This grim statistic illustrates the growing challenge of maintaining a healthy planet.
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to make a difference. Read on to learn the five best ways to lower your carbon footprint!
1. Change Your Diet
Meat and dairy products can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Further, to produce the meat and dairy products you see on grocery shelves, companies have to clear land. This results in devastating deforestation.
Switching to a vegan diet can help reduce these problems. By sourcing your food elsewhere, you won’t contribute to the extinction of animals or plants. As an alternative, look for locally-sourced meat and dairy products to cut down on transportation-related emissions.
In the same vein, you can convert food scraps into nutrient-rich fertilizers for your garden. Composting is an excellent way to make the most of every part of the food you buy.
2. Avoid Plastic
Plastic water bottles may be handy, but they’re not the best choice if you’re trying to be more eco-friendly. Instead, use glass bottles that you can refill.
Other positive actions include bringing reusable bags to the grocery store. And you can choose grocery stores that avoid using excessive packaging for produce and other items.
3. Stop Buying So Much Stuff
When you’re constantly buying new products, you’re hurting your budget. You’re also hurting the environment. That’s because trucks, planes, and trains need to transport those items to you.
By buying less stuff, you won’t require trucks to hit the road with shipments of products. Visit local shops instead. You’ll be supporting small businesses while reducing your carbon footprint.
4. Embrace Solar Energy
Harnessing the sun’s energy is an excellent way to reduce your footprint. Using solar power may help reduce your reliance on the grid and save you money over time.
Installing solar panels to your roof, for instance, ensures you’re using renewable energy. You can do solar installation in any climate, and you’ll be able to stay illuminated even if the power grid goes out.
The pros at Semper Solaris in Manteca can help when you’re ready to add solar panels to your property. You’ll increase your home’s value and may be able to get a tax credit.
5. Minimize Driving
An easy and healthy way to reduce carbon emissions is to drive less. Strap on a helmet and bike to work. Or if the commute is too long, join a rideshare or carpool program.
By staying off the roads, you’ll reduce your contributions to exhaust in the air. You’ll feel better, too, if you can replace driving with walking or biking.
Lower Your Carbon Footprint
You can reduce your carbon footprint by changing your eating and driving habits. You can make an impact by reaching for reusable containers and investing in solar energy. And by buying less, you’ll save money while helping reduce the need to transport goods over long distances.
Find more tips to power a healthier lifestyle. Check back soon for the latest articles!
