How’s Your Footprint Faring?
And we, of course, mean your carbon footprint. For those of you that may not know, a reduction in your carbon footprint can mean much more than just good vibes and more likes on social your social account. It can actually be a very lucrative endeavor for companies that can acquire excess carbon credits that they can then sell for profit. But that’s another blog entirely. For now, let’s just focus on some of the most effective ways to manage your environmental impact. How many are you doing?
Upgrade light bulbs:
Hang-dry clothes:
Why would you ever ditch the dryer? Because line-drying your clothes can reduce the average household’s carbon footprint by 2,400 pounds per year! And, as if that wasn’t reason enough, it also helps protect the environment by saving fossil fuels.
Recycle:
Okay, so here’s the skinny on recycling… it ultimately helps reduce greenhouse gases by reducing energy consumption. How? Well, when we buy less or reuse products, we reduce the need for virgin materials, which results in a reduction in the amount of energy needed to extract, transport and process materials needed for manufacturing. And, according to a recent study, recycling between 2020 and 2050 will reduce emissions by an amount equivalent to taking more than 1 billion cars off the streets for one year! Wow, right?!?!
Wash clothes in cold water:
It’s amazing how much this helps! Besides the fact that washing machines consume about 19 billion cubic meters of water annually, they also emit an estimated 62 million tons of greenhouse gasses each year. And where does a whopping 90% of the energy used to power the washing machines come from? Heating the water!
Drive a gas-electric hybrid vehicle:
So, what’s the story here? Given the fact that hybrid cars utilize a combination of both gasoline and a rechargeable electric motor to get you where you want to go, they burn less fuel than conventional cars and therefore emit lower levels of greenhouse gasses during your on-road adventures.
Avoid red meat:
Heartbreaking as this may be for some of you, it actually makes quite a difference! How? Did you know that livestock farming produces at least as much (if not a little more) greenhouse gas emissions than the public and private transport industries combined!? And if every had one meat-free meal per week? Well, it would be the equivalent of taking 5 million cars off our roads annually!
Eat a plant-based diet:
Did you know that the consumption of plant-based foods not only reduces greenhouse gases but also global eutrophication and acidification, in addition to land and water use? In fact, a recent study claims that a totally vegan diet reduces your carbon footprint by 73%. And that’s more than even buying an electric car!
Drive a fully electric vehicle:
While there is some debate out on this one regarding the amount of energy saved versus the amount of energy required to charge the vehicle, studies show that EVs typically have a smaller carbon footprint that traditional gasoline cars – even when accounting for the electricity used for charging.
Choose 100% clean energy:
According to a representative of the International Renewable Energy Agency, “renewable energy is the most cost-effective way of providing 90% of the required reduction in energy-related carbon dioxide emissions.” Need we say more?
Avoid 1 transatlantic flight:
In addition to emitting CO2 from burning fuel, planes have a negative impact on the concentration of other gasses and pollutants in the atmosphere as well. But up to 25% of a plane’s total carbon emission comes from takeoff and landing. So, if opting for a road trip here and there isn’t an option, flying direct will also help to minimize the negative impact on the atmosphere.
Go 100% car free:
Okay – we know this is probably not an option for a lot of you but it’s good to know the facts either way. The exhaust emitted by cars releases hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere, which increase ground-level ozone when they react with sunlight. It also releases carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas for humans) and carbon dioxide which, as we know, contributes largely to global warming. So, ride sharing and biking are helpful when available, as well as EV and hybrid options.
And there you have it, folks! That’s eleven different ways you can do your part to save our planet. And, as always, we are here to help you implement your renewable energy strategy and maximize your reduction in the global footprint.