No one can deny that each person produces significant carbon dioxide emissions. To look at the numbers more closely, each person in Australia is responsible for emitting 20.6 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. One of the reasons for this high number is the reliance on coal as a source of energy. This astounding number may seem surprising, especially if you don’t directly feel the impact of your carbon footprint on the environment. But the slowly deteriorating state of the earth is a testament that there is much to be done in order to ensure the survival of future generations.
Making a conscious effort to live a greener life is one simple step towards saving the environment. Reducing your carbon footprint significantly is no easy task. But there are things you can do, especially at home that will make a difference in the long run.
Assess the energy-efficiency of your home
Most homes that were built decades ago rely on outdated technology. For example, if you still use incandescent or halogen lamps, it’s high time to replace them with LED lights. LED lights use around 85% less energy than incandescent light bulbs. If you do this, you will reduce your carbon emission by 1,800 kilograms per year.
Have you ever considered installing solar PV panels? Most popular solar panel manufacturers Australia deals with have excellent and stylish choices that fit every home aesthetic. The initial investment to have them installed has also considerably reduced in the past few years due to the increase in demand.
Heating and cooling are also primary factors for energy use in the home. If possible, set your thermostat to 2 degrees higher during summer and 2 degrees lower in winter. By doing this, you are reducing your carbon footprint by another 900 kilograms per year.
Consider green transportation
Many cities offer public transportation that runs on more energy-efficient power. You can use public transport to reduce your carbon footprint instead of bringing your car. If you prefer driving, then why not think about getting a hybrid? There are several car manufacturers today that have invested in offering hybrid cars or cars with higher fuel-efficiency ratings. If you live close to where you work, why not consider using a bike? It is not only greener, but it also promotes good health.
Reducing waste and recycling
Recycling may seem troublesome for most people, but if you are able to recycle at least half of the waste you produce at home, you will be reducing your carbon footprint by around 1000 kilograms. You should also think about using less plastic and paper. One tip to reducing the amount of paper you use is to go paperless on bills. Another option would be switching from single use items to reusable ones. For example, you can cease buying regular single use cotton swabs and switch to a reusable alternative that can be used about 1000 times. You can also reduce your plastic consumption by taking your own water bottle or coffee cup to work. You can also shop at stores that encourage the use of your own shopping bags or allow you to bring your own containers to refill supplies. You will reduce waste production by 10% if you do this.
