What is it
Whether you heard about it before or you’re not too familiar, your carbon footprint is the amount of carbon emissions that go into the atmosphere due to everyday activities. This can promote unhealthy climate change resulting in global warming, something we have been seeing more and more frequently.
Human activities are responsible for almost all of the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere over the last 150 years. The largest source of emissions from human activities in the United States is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation.
Why does it matter
When more and more gasses get trapped in the atmosphere, they begin to trap in the sun’s radiation which consequently contributes to a warmer earth. This like mentioned before contributes to problems such as global warming and climate change where we can experience extreme patterns of cold followed by warm weather in just a short turnaround. This can cause lifelong effects on the earth and its environment if we don’t make a strive for change.
Ways to reduce
Though there are plenty of ways that you can start reducing your own carbon footprint with small things that you do daily.
Food
- Choosing to go organic and to buy local can significantly reduce the number of emissions emitted by cutting travel time for food items.
- Reduce your food waste by planning meals ahead or properly reuse leftover food.
- Composting your food waste.
Clothing
- Don’t buy from fast fashion places.
- Try to buy clothing items from thrift stores.
- Washing your clothes in cold water can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide by 500 pounds in a year.
Transportation
- Ditch your ride and try to bike to places more.
- Fly more nonstop.
- Avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration.
These are just a few ways that you can reduce your own carbon footprint while working towards maintaining a healthy environment.