You may not know it, but you can play a very important role in protecting our environment. In fact, you can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere by reducing your carbon footprint.
In this article, you will discover that every little action can make a difference and, most importantly, how to reduce your carbon emissions.
How can I reduce my carbon footprint at home?
Every building, house and apartment has an carbon footprint.
Nowadays, many buildings and condo towers want to be more ecological and have found ways to reduce their ecological footprint.
If you are building your own house, you can also opt for more environmentally friendly materials, maximize living space, try to preserve the biodiversity of the land and even obtain an ecological certification such as LEED certification.
However, small and simple daily actions can also help you reduce your carbon footprint at home.
Here are a few simple ways to reduce your carbon footprint at home:
- Consume less hot water by reducing the duration of your showers
- Only use the dishwasher when it is full
- Limit dryer use by air drying your clothes
- Start composting and recycling
- Use reusable cloths instead of paper towels
- Use biodegradable household products
Find out what is your carbon footprint here: Get a free carbon footprint assessment.
How can I reduce my carbon footprint in my daily commutes and travels?
We all know that almost every method of transportation has a very significant ecological footprint.
Ecological vehicles are increasingly present on the market: electric buses, hybrid and electric cars, low-consumption vehicles, etc. The government of Canada even offers incentives of $2,500 to $5,000 for consumers who buy or lease an electrical vehicle. You can also use the CAA tool to discover what other incentives exist in your province of residence.
However, if you do not have an electrical car, you can still lower your carbon footprint in your daily commutes!
Here are some suggestions and ways to reduce ecological footprint:
- Carpooling
- Not leaving your car running for no reason
- Reducing air travel when you can
- Walking or cycling when possible
- Using public transportation
- Limiting your trips by living near work and/or teleworking when possible
How can I reduce my carbon footprint while shopping?
Whether you’re going to the grocery store, the drugstore, or shopping online, it’s always possible to make better choices for the environment.
First of all, always favor the purchase of reusable products over disposable products.
For example:
- Reusable cloths instead of paper towels
- Glass, bamboo or stainless steel straws instead of plastic straws
- Reusable bags instead of plastic bags
- Glass dishes instead of small plastic snack bags or plastic wrap
Of course, it can be difficult to be 100% zero waste. However, it is possible to make wise choices to reduce your ecological footprint when shopping in many other ways.
Here are examples of what you can do to reduce your carbon emissions when shopping:
- Buy in bulk and avoid packaged products as much as possible
- Reduce your purchases by buying used products on websites like Facebook market, Kijiji, etc.
- Prioritize local products
- Encourage companies that are making efforts to reduce their carbon footprint
Finally, an important action you can take for the environment is to speak up.
Share with your loved ones and those around you the efforts you are making to do your part and thus improve the condition of the planet. It will encourage them to reduce their carbon footprint as well.
Give ideas and share your knowledge!
Do you wonder what your ecological footprint is? You can find out for free with our online tool: Calculate my ecological footprint.
Already know your carbon footprint and want to become carbon neutral? Do it now online: Offset my carbon footprint.