Reducing Carbon Footprint: Can it Help Fight Climate Change?

What is the greenhouse effect?

The greenhouse effect is a term used to explain the global warming process. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is always present in the atmosphere. It is an abnormal amount of this and other gases which create the warming effect and climate change.

High amounts of CO2 and other 'greenhouse' gases trap more energy in the atmosphere. This creates more heat and further warms the atmosphere, which in turn heats the earth. It is a high amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, which increases global warming.

What is a carbon footprint?

According to The Carbon Trust, 'The total set of greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an [individual, event, organization, product] expressed as CO2e.’

The carbon footprint is a system that has been designed to measure the number of carbon emissions which we all create. We all have a carbon footprint.

Humans and animals exhale CO2. It is entirely natural, and at normal, natural levels causes little harm, as plants and trees convert this back into oxygen for us to breathe.

However, we also contribute directly to CO2 emissions by using different forms of energy. This is not so natural and is causing a considerable amount of harm to the atmosphere.

Our carbon footprints are directly related to our lifestyle and the type and amount of energy we use to fuel that lifestyle. People who have a modern 'high-energy' lifestyle generate more co2 emissions than those who have a natural way of living and use only minimal energy.

A fast, modern lifestyle means more daily energy usage using computers, mobile phones, household lighting, and appliances. Vehicles create an enormous amount of carbon emissions in the fumes emitted from their exhausts.

Energy usage has caused and continues to contribute to the global warming process. The damage being caused is so severe that people need to be aware of the effect that global warming is having on the environment.

They need to know how to prevent more harm from being done and how we can all help by reducing our carbon footprints. Greenhouse gas emissions still aren't getting better.

How do you reduce your carbon footprint?

Transportation:

Emissions from transportation are huge. Changing the method which you use for transportation can make a difference.

Every day you decide to drive a car that is driven by fossil fuels creates waste. A new car, electric, doesn't have that same waste. These electric cars are now carbon offsets when compared to older cars.

Year over year more consumers are recognizing the electric car or public transportation or just drive less. Make sure your tires are properly inflated.

Fly less, this year in 2020 has been great to combat emissions from flying as the COVID-19 pandemic halted transportation from state and countrywide shutdowns and people have been able to avoid flying.

Plant trees:

Planting trees may sound very simple and basic, but it is the most natural and effective way of reversing greenhouse gases that are in the environment. De-forestation has already destroyed huge wooded areas. There is more carbon in the air than ever before, yet fewer plants absorb it and produce oxygen. Planting more trees is going to help tremendously.

If you cannot plant a tree yourself, volunteer organizations will gladly plant a tree on your behalf. If not a tree, there are other plant-based things to plant that can make a difference. Just planting a garden at home for food is beneficial.

A compost for food waste in the home can provide fertilizer to keep your garden thriving.

Be energy efficient:

One of the other main ways to reduce global warming is to conserve as much energy as possible. The use of computers is widespread now and has become a necessary part of everyday life. There are 'green' computers which can be bought now which use a lot less energy.

Converting to clean energy or sometimes referred to as green energy components can help. Take solar panels, they are one of these types of clean renewable energy components. California has mandated the use of solar panels on all new homes in their battle against climate change.

One of the simplest ways we can all reduce our carbon footprints and help save the environment is by using less energy, and all we have to do is switch off appliances, etc. when we're not using them. This type of action takes saving directly into your own hands.

The other advantage of this is that as we use less electricity and reduce our carbon footprints, we will also reduce our bills and save a load of money and the planet. Money is a driving force when it comes to whether or not some of these suggestions will be followed.

The largest way to move forward in reducing your carbon footprint is to utilize our home audit services or our Online Energy Audit. We can tell you if it's worth it to buy upgraded air conditioning equipment, light bulbs, water fixtures, even insulation for your home. With a focus on energy efficiency, you'll be on your way to reduce your carbon footprint. Take action and make the climate and your wallet thank you.