Now more than ever, we’re becoming aware of our impact on the environment. More and more people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Fortunately, going green doesn’t mean that you need to change everything about your life overnight. There are plenty of adjustments you can put into action to help reduce your overall environmental impact.
Implement Changes at Home
Change often starts at home. It’s no different with implementing environmentally-friendly modifications. Do an energy audit of your home to see where you waste electricity and heat. The analysis also helps you pinpoint ways to improve your efficiency.
Start by turning off the lights when you leave a room. Unplug nonessential electronics when you aren’t using them to reduce phantom energy consumption. Swap out incandescent bulbs for LEDs. If you’re looking to make an even more significant change, programs such as solar ITC New Jersey might be worth consideration.
Look at Your Food Consumption
Reducing your meat consumption is an easy way to start cutting your carbon footprint. While you don’t necessarily have to give it up entirely, start by participating in the Meatless Monday campaign. You cut about eight pounds from your carbon footprint every day you forgo meat and dairy.
Other easy ways to help the environment through food include:
- Buying organic, locally grown produce
- Reducing food waste by planning meals and freezing leftovers for another day
- Composting food scraps
Revise Your Shopping Habits
Changing your shopping habits can have a substantial impact. First, buy less stuff. For the things you do need, look for used or recycled items — this is also a great way to save money. For clothing, shop secondhand or consignment sales. Avoid items with excessive amounts of packaging and support companies with green missions. When you do go shopping, bring reusable bags.
Alter Your Transportation
If you can swing it, drive less. Walk or bike more. If you do need to drive, consider carpooling. Take care of your car and keep up with regular maintenance. For instance, properly inflated tires can improve fuel efficiency by about three percent. Avoid unnecessary driving, use apps to bypass traffic and pay attention to how you brake and accelerate. These small things can all add up to better efficiency on the road.
If some of the changes on this list seem too big, start with one or two of the smaller ones. Gradually implement more modifications into your life and see how much of a difference you can make. Soon, you’ll find your environmentally-friendly lifestyle is as easy as can be.
