La carbon footprint It is a tool to measure the impact or the mark that a person, organization or product leaves on the planet. A count of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which are released into the atmosphere by direct or indirect effect of an individual, organization or product.
A few months ago we informed you of its impact on global warming and how on a personal level there are many things we can do to reduce our footprint. And it is that although we are only a small link in the chain we can help alleviate it. What? Applying the tips to reduce our carbon footprint that we share with you today.
Reflect on how you eat
The data from the latest reports coincide in pointing out that today's food system is unsustainable. It is estimated that it generates a third of greenhouse gas emissions. The land dedicated to agriculture occupies 34% of the Earth's land area and part of it is worked to feed these farm animals. That is why limiting the consumption of meat, especially beef, is today a necessity, as is betting on local and seasonal products.
We can also contribute with our purchase to reduce both food waste and plastic waste. Buy what you need and forgo plastic packaging and bags so that your ecological footprint is smaller.
Reduce the electricity consumption of your home
Every kilowatt of electricity that we use supposes the emission of 400 grams of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Savings and efficiency are therefore the only possible way to reduce our carbon footprint. But how to achieve it? Here are some little tips to reduce your home's carbon footprint.
- Take advantage of natural light and uses LED bulbs
- Invest in good insulation to avoid the so common energy losses. Check the insulation of the walls if you are going to make a reform and change your old windows for more efficient ones. You will save on air conditioning systems.
- Decántate by efficient air conditioning systems and use them wisely. Remember that lowering or raising your heating one degree will cause your bill to vary between 5 and 10% and will cause CO2 emissions to increase. AND control the air conditioning because they consume a lot of energy; do not abuse it and combine it with other tools to keep the house cool in summer. To control the consumption of both, always use programmable thermostats.
- When it's time to change them, bet on efficient appliances: they spend less and emit less CO2
Buy less and better
Buy less and better that is one of the tips to reduce our carbon footprint more general, but no less important. Manufacturing and transportation processes each product has a certain carbon dioxide emission associated with it.
So before buying any product ask yourself: do I need it? If it is not something that you are going to use on a regular basis, consider the loan or rent as a tool. And if you are going to buy something, do it responsibly, looking at its label to know its sustainability or efficiency. Go to the second-hand market and recycle everything you can before throwing it away.
Choose how you move
Another tip to reduce our carbon footprint has to do with how we move around our city. Use the bicycle or public transport when we cannot walk they are the most sustainable alternatives. If this is not possible, carpooling with colleagues or neighbors is always recommended. In short, as to when and how to drive.
Do you already apply any of these tips in your day to day in order to lead a sustainable life? If you haven't started yet, don't try to do it all at once; Go incorporating the routines one by one to your day to day and invest in improving your home energy.