How can I reduce my carbon footprint?
What is a carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases produced to, directly and indirectly, support human activities such as driving a car. The burning of fossil fuels used to power these activities add to the natural greenhouse effect, trapping more energy in the atmosphere and increasing the temperature.
How can I reduce my carbon footprint?
There are plenty of small changes we can make to our lifestyles to help reduce our carbon footprint:
Eat less meat
It is thought that a vegan diet may make as much as a 20 per cent difference to your overall carbon impact, so cutting out or even reducing your meat intake will have significant environmental benefits. Cut down on all food waste by only buying what you need.
Insulate your home
Insulating your home to help keep it warm means less burning of fossil fuels in our power stations and central heating boilers. Draught-proof the house with an insulated loft and cavity wall fillers.
Take showers instead of baths
Limit your bath use and opt for a two-minute rinse in the shower to help save the planet and save on your energy bills.
Go electric
Where possible, you should opt for public transport but if a car is necessary, try switching to an electric vehicle. Whilst an electric car is still powered by burning the same fuel as a petrol car, it burns much less of it.
Use less plastic
Plastic has been a big subject this year, with many companies taking measures to phase out plastic bags and straws, one plastic bag can take 1,000 years to decompose. Doing your shopping with a reusable bag and not using plastic straws are effortless ways to help reduce your plastic usage. Dispose of responsibly, recycling where possible.
Fly smarter
If possible, use alternative modes of transport such as via rail and coach. If you fly regularly, consider reducing the length or number of flights you take, using only direct flights and avoiding internal flights once you've arrived.
Switch to LED bulbs
UK households cause the emission of nine million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year just from lighting. Switching to low-energy LED bulbs is an instant way to start reducing your carbon emissions.