Let’s face it – the planet earth is polluted to an extent that we consume a lot of harmful gases in our routine tasks. Not just air but water, as well as the environment, is highly polluted and we are not even realizing the aftermaths it will have on our health. When we talk about pollution, it would be unfair to not mention carbon footprint which is described as the total amount of greenhouse gases that we consume throughout the day during our ordinary activities. Some of you may not be aware of this term greenhouse gasses. Let’s discuss in detail what it is and how to reduce it.
What are Greenhouse Gases?
Greenhouse gases are gases are that are one of the main causes of warming the earth. These gases absorb infrared radiations and spread the heat to earth as well as the oceans. Environmentalists are also of the view that these gases are also contributing to global warming and the sudden transformations in the climate.
Which are Greenhouse Gases?
There are four chief greenhouse gases in the world. These are:
- Methane (CH4)
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
- Fluorinated Gases
- Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
But these gases do not enter the earth naturally but we; humans, are responsible for it. Greenhouse gases enter our atmosphere in two major ways:
- Burning gas, coal, and oil
- Extensive use of synthetic fertilizers, fossil fuels, deforestation, wide industrial processing, and farming of certain types of livestock
Reducing carbon footprint may seem an impossible task but it is very easy and possible – courtesy of technological developments and growing awareness. If you want to live a healthy life, you should take all the steps to make sure that your lifestyle contributes to a healthy and prosperous life.
Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
There are numerous ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Here we have listed some of the most effective ones. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Upgrade Your Home Appliances
Home appliances, particularly of the old designs release some gases that contribute to the carbon footprint. However, technological advancements have allowed the manufacturers to develop appliances that are environmental friendly and does not release any harmful gases. Upgrading the appliances can be a great investment in both energy savings and preserving the nature. You can easily find appliances in the market that consume lesser energy and produce fewer emissions. Additionally, consider recycling your electronic waste, such as old cell phones and laptops, through WEEE recycling programs to reduce the environmental impact of their disposal.
Get a Programmable Thermostat for Your Home
A thermostat is one of the unignorable necessities for any household. Especially if you are living in a country where the temperature changes frequently, it is a must-have for your home. However, thermostats which are mostly used in homes are not programmable. If you get a programmable thermostat for your home, you can easily save a lot of money from energy expenses and use it in other more productive ways.
Try to Use Public Transport
In a society that we live in, people have become status conscious and try to just win over others regardless of realizing that it can go against them as well. One of the major cases is the unnecessary use of private cars. According to environmentalists, if people start using public transport more, the global warming can be controlled as well as the carbon footprint can be reduced. The reason is that public transport causes the same level of emissions as a private car but it has the capacity to carry more people from one point to the other. By suggesting you use public transport, it is not intended to suggest to you that you should not use your car at all. Just try to use it when there is no other option. However, if you are not used to public transport, you can also change your car with another one that gives better fuel efficiency along with causing fewer emissions.
Start Recycling
Recycling leads to lesser waste that results in lesser greenhouse gases. There are a number of ways you can reduce your waste and two of the major ones are:
- Using refillable water bottles
- Switching to reusable shopping bags
These two small moves can prove to be an incredible step for the betterment of the planet. Statistics suggest that if these two wastes can be reduced by at least 20%, the global warming could be controlled to a great extent.
Choose a Better Mattress
You may be wondering how on earth a mattress can help reduce the carbon footprint but it is actually worth it. You see, most of the mattresses end up filling the landfills which are a great cause of pollution and other effects. However, if you choose the right mattress, not only will you be able to enjoy a comfortable sleep, but you will play your part in saving the planet earth for the generations to come. There are various mattresses available in the market that you can choose. Since you are up for some lifestyle changes, you should choose a memory foam mattress or a hybrid mattress. These two options are worth the money and come with a warranty as well.
Consume Less Electricity
Electricity is produced with natural resources like oil, gas, water, and air. Electricity produced using oil and gas contaminates the environment in a grand way because the emission of greenhouse gases is huge. By limiting the use of electricity, the overall consumption of electricity can be reduced. Since it will lead to lesser consumption, the production will also decrease.
These are some very simple lifestyle changes that can bring harmony not just in your life, but the entire society. Being a human being, you should realize that your carbon footprint is not just harmful to you or your country, but the entire planet earth. Even if you want to migrate to some other place, you can never move to some other planet. Only we have the power to bring a positive change in our society. By incorporating these lifestyle changes in your life, you have a great chance of reducing your carbon footprint today.