You may have heard of speculative reports which suggest that the condition of the environment and planet may have improved in the last year, during which most of humanity was locked down in their homes for various time periods.
This information may not surprise anyone, because every activity undertaken by humans has a short- or long-term effect on the environment. And when humans are unable to access nature, it flourishes.
However, the environment has sustained a lot of damage over the years due to human activities, which cannot be reversed or undone with short-term solutions.
Everyone needs to contribute consistently and make environment-consciousness a part of everyday life.
With the ongoing pandemic, one of the ways this can be done is to reduce your carbon footprint while staying at home. Read on to find out what more you can do.
What is a Carbon Footprint?
A carbon footprint is a measure of how much greenhouse gases (gases in the atmosphere, such as water vapour, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, and ozone, which block heat from escaping) are released into the atmosphere due to an individual’s, organization’s, or country’s actions.
A carbon footprint is usually measured in tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent).
Greenhouse gases contribute to a steady increase in the earth’s surface temperature, resulting in global warming and climate change. Thus, the lesser your carbon footprint is, the lesser the greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere, and the better it is for the environment.
You can calculate your carbon footprint at various websites available online.
Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home
Here are some ways to reduce your carbon footprint in the main focus areas in your house.
Water
Use buckets for baths instead of showering, to monitor and limit your water usage.
Turn the tap off and do not leave the water running while brushing your teeth or doing the dishes.
Use water leftover from baths or washing dishes to water plants.
Run the washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full, to save on multiple loads which will need more water.
Repair any leaks on taps and pipes that drip water and cause wastage.
Install water-saving devices in your flushing system to reduce the water used with each flush.
Heat or boil only as much water as you need.
Food
Grow your own vegetables, fruits, and herbs in your garden or in a space on your windowsill.
Eat more plant-based meals, since meat, eggs, and dairy production require more energy and have a greater impact on the environment.
Reduce food wastage by planning your meals and using leftovers.
Set up a compost bin for your food scraps and use the compost to grow more produce.
Preserve, pickle, or freeze food that might not be consumed immediately.
Electricity
Switch off lights and fans when you leave a room.
Unplug appliances such as phone chargers when they are not in use.
Turn off air conditioning or heating when you leave the house.
Keep windows open and use fans instead of air conditioners if possible.
Switch to energy-saving LED light bulbs when your old bulbs die.
Install solar panels in your house and use solar-powered heating and lighting.
Upgrade to more energy-efficient appliances with a high energy star rating when replacing old appliances.
Air-dry your clothes whenever possible instead of using tumble-drying machines, which consume a lot of energy.
Set the correct level of temperature for your refrigerator and avoid keeping the refrigerator door open for long, to maximize its functioning.
Remember to reuse and recycle whatever you can at home. Try to do your bit each day to lower your impact on the environment. It is not an “all-or-nothing” approach, and every little step you take counts.
References:
1. Climatecare.org. 2021. 50 ideas for shrinking your carbon footprint. [online] Available at: <https://www.climatecare.org/resources/news/50-ideas-shrinking-your-carbon-footprint/> [Accessed 16 June 2021].
2. Cotap.org. 2021. 25+ Tips to Reduce Carbon Footprint from COTAP.org. [online] Available at: <https://cotap.org/reduce-carbon-footprint/> [Accessed 16 June 2021].
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