When we burn fossil fuels such as coal or petroleum gas, carbon dioxide and various other gases are released into the atmosphere. The emission of these gases retains heat at the earth's surface, resulting in the phenomenon of the "greenhouse effect". An increase in the earth's temperature results in rising sea levels, extreme storms, and various problems due to climate change. If we work together to reduce the use of motorized vehicles, save electricity, and reduce waste production, we can reduce our carbon footprint and fight global warming.
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Method 1 of 4: Reducing Carbon Footprint
Step 1. Find your carbon footprint
Carbon footprint is the amount of carbon that a person emits into the atmosphere from his daily activities. The more fossil fuels a person uses, the larger the fossil footprint. For example, a person who goes to work every day by bicycle has a smaller carbon footprint than a person who rides a motor vehicle.
To calculate the amount of your carbon footprint, use a carbon footprint calculator. Your driving habits, shopping, diet and a number of other factors to calculate the amount of carbon you release into the atmosphere
Step 2. Find ways to reduce your carbon footprint
Since you want to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, your carbon footprint needs to be lowered as much as possible. Reflect on your old lifestyle that can be improved upon and strive to make changes in the long term. A small change in your lifestyle can make a big difference.
For example, eating meat every day can increase your carbon footprint, because the process of getting meat ready to serve at the table requires a lot of energy and fuel. Reducing meat consumption will lower your carbon footprint
Step 3. Lifestyle changes are only the first step
People like you who care and want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can make a big impact. However, in order to avoid the threat of global warming, it is very important to ensure that companies put limits on their emissions. Research states that of the total greenhouse gases worldwide, 2/3 are produced by 90 companies only. Give more care than just changing your lifestyle.
- For example, you could write to the Environment Agency (BLH) in your province to report carbon pollution from a power plant or factory you are aware of.
- Vote for future leaders who are most committed to reducing emissions in your city and stopping global warming.
Method 2 of 4: Reselect Your Transport
Step 1. Reduce car use
Emissions from cars are the main cause of global warming. The manufacture of cars and roads, the production of fuels, and the process of burning fuels, are all causes of global warming. In fact, completely quitting a car is nearly impossible. So, you should keep your car use to a minimum to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Don't go shopping every day. Go to the supermarket and buy everything you need for the week.
- Go to work or school together. You can ride a friend's car, or invite friends to ride in your car.
- Whenever you are going somewhere, try to leave without getting in your car.
Step 2. Take the bus or train
Even though they both produce gas emissions, buses and trains still have a lot of passenger capacity so they are more efficient than private vehicles. Learn the bus and train routes in your city and get used to using public transport. Who knows, you might even like it more!
- If your city does not have adequate public transportation, report it to your city council.
- There must be residents of another city who have the same problem. Therefore, you can help each other.
Step 3. Do more walking and cycling
There's a certain satisfaction in going somewhere using your own energy, and it's definitely emission-free. If the destination is not too far away, try walking or cycling. It does take a little longer, but you will have time to enjoy the journey.
- Try walking if your goal can be reached in just five minutes by car.
- Use the bike paths in your city. If your city does not already have this facility, then you should write to the editor of the newspaper, attend City Council meetings and work with the pedestrian/cyclist coordinator in your city.
Step 4. Take care of your car
If you don't take care of your car, it will emit more gas. Check your car's smog-worthiness, and if it's not, have your car repaired. Here are some ways to take care of your car to keep emissions low:
- Fill gas at night or in the morning. The heat during the day will vaporize the gasoline.
- Use engine oil that can save the car's energy.
- Do not use the drive-thru facility. Park the car before walking into the building.
- Make sure your car tire pressure is in accordance with the technician's recommendation.
Method 3 of 4: Save Electricity and Energy
Step 1. Turn off lights and tools
The electricity to power these things comes from power plants that emit emissions. Your carbon footprint will decrease if you save on lights, tools, and other items that are powered by electricity.
- Rely on natural light during the day. Open the blinds and let the sun in. That way, you don't have to turn on the lights.
- Turn off the TV when not in use.
- Turn off the computer when not in use.
Step 2. Unplug your tools when not in use
Even if it is turned off, your appliance will still use electricity if the plug is not unplugged. Go around your home unplugging the kitchen, bedroom, living room, and so on. Even cell phone chargers still consume energy if they are not unplugged.
Step 3. Use large, energy-efficient electrical appliances
Large appliances consume most of the energy use in the home. If you are using an outdated tool, replace it with an energy efficient model. You will save money and reduce your carbon footprint. Try replacing some of the following tools with more efficient versions:
- Refrigerator
- Oven and stove
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Conditioning
Step 4. Check your heating and air conditioning habits
Heaters and air conditioners are very energy-consuming items, so look for ways to reduce your use of them. In addition to changing both tools to an energy-efficient version, the following methods are also worth trying:
- Set your thermostat to 20 degrees Celsius in winter and 25 degrees Celsius in summer.
- Let your body get used to the weather, so you don't get too cold in winter and in summer you don't have to use air conditioning. Wear warm clothes and house slippers in the winter and a fan in the summer.
- When you are traveling far, turn off the heating and air conditioning so that no energy is wasted while you are not at home.
Step 5. Limit the use of hot water
Heating water for bathing requires a lot of energy. Do not take too long a bath and soak less with hot water because the energy required to heat the water is much more.
- Limit the temperature of your water heater to 49 degrees Celsius, so the water doesn't get too hot.
- Set the washing machine to use cold water. After all, your clothes will also last longer.
Method 4 of 4: Changing Consumption Patterns
Step 1. Eat less meat
If you can't go completely vegetarian, try limiting your meat consumption to just a few times a week. The meat industry uses a lot of energy in raising animals, processing meat, and preventing spoilage, even before it enters your kitchen. Growing vegetables consumes less energy.
- Buy meat from traditional markets.
- Consider raising chickens for your own eggs and bacon!
Step 2. Make your meal from scratch
Instead of buying ready-to-eat foods that consume a lot of energy, make your meals from scratch. For example, if you want ketchup, use fresh tomatoes and garlic instead of buying bottled ketchup at the store. Your processed foods are better for the environment and your own body.
You can even grow your own tomatoes and onions, if you really want to grow your food from scratch
Step 3. Become a transmigrant
Mass production, packaging and shipping of goods contribute greatly to the release of greenhouse gases, and processing your own goods can avoid all of this. You don't have to be a cave dweller, just make your own daily necessities, for example:
- Make your own soap
- Make your own shampoo
- Make your own toothpaste
- Make your own deodorant
- If you are really ambitious, sew your own clothes
Step 4. Use local products
If consumer goods are made near your home, there are no emissions released from shipping goods to stores. Buying locally produced food or other items will drastically reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some examples:
- Shopping for food at the traditional market
- Cut down on online shopping. Shipping goods will use a lot of vehicles that emit emissions.
- Support local business
Step 5. Choose items with less packaging
The plastics, cardboard and paper used in packaging are produced from factories that emit a lot of emissions. So, buy goods with as little packaging as possible.
- For example, buy rice in one large package, rather than two small packages.
- Bring your own shopping bag instead of using a plastic bag from the store.
- Buy fresh food, rather than frozen or canned food.
Step 6. Reuse, recycle and compost
These three great ways to reduce your waste and carbon footprint. Once you get into the habit of doing these three things, you won't be throwing things away so quickly.
- All items made of glass are reusable. Be careful about reusing plastic items, as they will rot over time and poison your food.
- Follow the rules regarding the recycling of glass, paper, plastic and other materials.
- Turn food scraps and garbage into compost by storing them in special bins or piles, and tossing them once a week to allow them to decompose quickly.
