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A growing number of people are starting to realize that we need to live more sustainably to protect the environment for future generations to come. However, the fight against climate change may sound overwhelming at times. But it doesn't have to be that complicated— even the biggest movements started out with small, localized actions. There is a lot we can do in our daily lives to reduce our carbon footprint and bring us a step forward to a more sustainable future.
What Is a Carbon Footprint?
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated by an individual, organization, event or product.
Our daily actions can all generate carbon footprints, even the casual ones we make at home. By making small changes to them, we can minimize our personal environmental impact and start making a difference.
Keep reading to learn how you can help combat climate change straight from the comfort of your own home.
5 Things You Can Do at Home to Reduce Carbon Footprint
1. Turn Off the Autoplay Feature
Curling up and binge-watching your favorite shows might sound like a fun pastime, but it can actually create a bigger carbon footprint than you may want. Streaming a video in high quality for 1 hour generates more carbon emissions than driving 1 kilometer.
Try these tips today:
- ✔️ Disable the AutoPlay feature, and only watch what you actually want to watch first.
- ✔️ Make sure there isn’t a video autoplaying in a forgotten tab.
2. Be More Mindful When Sending Emails
Sending two emails with attachments generates as much carbon emissions as printing out a document file. Even if there are no attachments included, it would still leave a digital carbon footprint. One little email may not seem like a big deal, but it can add up to create a considerable impact on the environment.
Try these tips today:
- ✔️ Think before you hit “send”: is the email necessary?
- ✔️ Always double check for errors! Not only does it make you look more professional, it also helps with reducing energy consumption. It’s a win-win!
3. Unsubscribe from Unopened Newsletters
How many email newsletters do you approximately receive in a day? Now, think again: how many of them do you actually open? Unopened subscription mail can be potentially harmful to the environment. Every time the system sends out an email, it contributes to carbon emissions.
Take some time out of your day to clean up your email inbox and reduce the burden on our Mother Earth!
Try these tips today:
- ✔️ Check your inbox to see if there are any digital newsletters you haven't opened in over 2 weeks.
- ✔️ Unsubscribe from unnecessary or unwanted email newsletters to reduce carbon emissions.
4. Unplug Unused Electronic Appliances
When left plugged in, electronic devices like televisions, microwaves, radios or monitors still consume power even when they are in standby mode and using unnecessary energy. According to research conducted by the Industrial Technology Research Institute, these often-neglected “vampire appliances” can account for 7.4% of a household’s electricity consumption. They not only contribute to your electricity bills, but also to the world’s carbon emissions.
Try these tips today:
- ✔️ Unplug electronic appliances when not in use: Increase their lifespan, save money on electricity bills and reduce carbon footprint!
- ✔️ Make it a habit to turn off devices, rather than leaving them on standby, when you leave the house to lower your consumption!
5. Say An Early Goodnight to Technology
Nowadays, we are more attached to technology than ever. From phones to laptops to tablets, we are constantly surrounded by all sorts of electronic devices from morning to night. Not only does that interfere with getting a good night's sleep, it also comes with an environmental cost by leaving a digital carbon footprint.
Starting today, spend less time on your phone, especially before bed!
Try these tips today:
- ✔️ Relax, and turn off your technology devices before bed.
- ✔️ Use your phone more mindfully. Track your Screen Time every week and adjust your phone usage.
Start with Small Sustainable Choices
"We don't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly."—Annie Marie Bonneau
Let's take one small step at a time: transitioning to a more sustainable lifestyle is not as difficult as you may think! It all starts with making small sustainable choices in our daily lives.
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