People and companies all over the world are making changes to help protect our environment. While it may seem like an impossible challenge, we can all have an impact by playing our part. The following are 5 ways to reduce your climate impact at an individual level, contributing to the broader cause.
Install solar panels
One of the best ways to reduce our carbon footprint is to utilize renewable energy sources. Solar energy is a good option that has many benefits for the environment. It reduces our need for fossil fuels, it reduces air pollution and it reduces our water usage. Both households and businesses are having solar panels installed on their rooves so they can harness this power and use it for everyday tasks. It’s better for the environment and it will save you money on power bills in the long run – win-win!
Recycle properly
It’s not news that the modern world has a waste problem. We send huge amounts of waste to landfill every day, including materials like plastic that won’t decompose for decades. If you’re looking to reduce your climate impact at an individual level, make sure that you are recycling properly. Separate your items and dispose of things correctly. You can also choose to start a home compost to recycle organic material. Minimizing the amount of waste you send to landfill is one of the best ways to help the environment.
Choose a more eco-friendly air conditioner
According to the team at Think Cooling, Air conditioners can have a big impact on the amount of energy we use, therefore it is important that we choose one that is efficient and eco-friendly. The good news is that many brands are now focusing on environmental sustainability and creating air conditioning models that are better for the planet. If you have an old air conditioner, it is worth considering an upgrade to reduce your carbon emissions. Do your research to identify eco-friendly brands and consider the size of your space. An air conditioner that is too small for the room will constantly be working hard and using lots of power, so it’s best to avoid this.
Minimize your driving
We all know that cars release exhaust that contributes to air pollution. The more we drive, the more exhaust released and the greater the pollution. Make a commitment to finding alternative methods of transport so that you can use your car less. Where you can, walk or ride a bike to your destination. Use public transport where possible. While public transport still contributes to pollution, it’s not the same as having all those individual cars on the road. When you fly, purchase carbon offsets to neutralize your travel.
Reduce water usage
With a limited amount of water on Earth, we must minimize our usage so there is enough to go around. There are a range of ways you can conserve water, with many of them requiring only a small adjustment in behavior to make a big difference.
If you are looking to save water, consider the following actions:
Have short showers
An obvious but important one, short showers are something everybody should be aiming for. Try setting a timer or listening to a song to help guide the length of your shower.
Don’t leave the tap running
If you are cleaning your teeth or washing your face, only have the tap on when you need to. Otherwise, leave it off to reduce water wastage.
Re-use water when you can
Think of ways you can recycle water. A good option is using dishwater for your garden (if you use an environmentally friendly dishwashing liquid).
There are numerous ways you can reduce your climate impact so start making some changes today!