As we move toward quick, disposable, time-saving choices to support our busy lives, we sometimes forget that these decisions have an impact on the world around us. Convenience is, well, convenient! But, it’s our responsibility to consider lifestyle changes to reduce our carbon footprint.
Small changes have a big impact. Reduce, reuse, recycle has been the rallying cry around environmental issues worldwide. What does this look like for you?
Skip the Plastic
According to Ecowatch, 1 million plastic bottles are bought every second. Americans alone account for around 500 billion bottles in a year with only 25% of these being recycled. But, this staggering number can be reduced by swapping the plastic for a reusable bottle. Whether you’re running errands, hopping on a plane, or working from home, a reusable bottle is a small lifestyle change to reduce carbon footprint.
Eat Wisely
Approximately 30-40% of all the food grown in the United States goes to waste. To reduce the waste in your own home, consider supporting your local farmer’s markets. Eat seasonally. Buy only the amount you know you will consume. Buying in bulk is a cost-saving way to feed a family and that’s totally okay! If you know you can’t eat what you buy before it spoils, freeze what you can or share the bounty with your neighbors.
Drive Less
As we’ve become more car dependent, auto emissions have had a significant impact on the environment. The move toward electric vehicles is one initiative to reduce carbon footprint. For example, carpooling, public transportation, and ride shares are other alternatives to reduce emissions. Biking, walking, skateboarding, or hover-boarding are other lifestyle changes to promote health for yourself and the environment!
Shop Minimally
Amazon Prime! These two words have revolutionized the way we shop. With the click of a button we order everything from snack food to home decor. As a result, this accessible shopping results in an abundance of packaging and trucking. To offset the overflow of cardboard, bubble wrap, and more emissions, request that your shipment be consolidated into a single delivery. Or choose a longer shipping time to help the trucking industry reduce their routes. In the big picture, this is a small lifestyle change to reduce carbon footprint.
Preserve Water
Reducing your household water use is a fairly easy way to reduce carbon footprint. Shortening your morning shower, turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, and minimizing toilet flushing are simple ways to preserve water. Eco-friendly soaps and detergents are gentler on the environment and help reduce our carbon footprint.
Sometimes it seems that environmental issues are too big and that our individual impact is too small. But, together, our small lifestyle changes to reduce carbon footprint have a significant impact on our shared world. What lifestyle change will you make to do your part?
