10 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

© aramolara

Using less of everything will bring us all a lot farther.

What do house lights, bottled water, newspaper, automobiles and fried chicken have in common? They all increase your "carbon footprint" – an environmental impact measurement that specifically shows how much carbon dioxide each person, family, organization, product, industry or country creates. And, because carbon dioxide is a major contributing gas to global warming, your carbon footprint is a big deal. And, reducing it can have a major, positive, impact on the future of the planet. 

The lifestyles we choose, the choices we make and the products we use, all affect our carbon footprint. Below are ten simple suggestions we can practice to help shrink our own footprint. 

1. Turn It Off

The lights, your computer, TV, and radio...If you're not using it, turn it off. If you plan on not using it for a while, unplug it. "Phantom loads" are any appliance that sucks energy while not in use. Basically, if something's plugged in, it's still using energy, so unplugging your things when they're not in use is a smart way to save energy, thus decreasing carbon dioxide emmissions.

2. Refill Your Water Bottle

Instead of grabbing a new bottle of water from the fridge every time your whistle is dry, refill a reusable bottle, throw it in your bag and hit the road. If you enjoy cups of warm beverages at work, stick a mug in your briefcase and skip the Styrofoam.

3. Grow Your Own Food

It might sound hard, but it's not. You can plant edible plants in a south-facing window in a bowl with soil. There are dozens of tasty options that will keep you organic and local. Start small with some tomatoes and herbs, guaranteed they'll taste better.

4. Buy Carbon Offsets

Carbon offsets are a financial option to right a wrong. If we choose to fly and add lots of carbon to our footprint, we can then give money to a "responsible" project, like a wind farm, and "offset" our contribution to greenhouse gasses.

5. Walk or Bike

Given the option, strap on the walking shoes or mount your two-wheeled steed and stay out of the car. It will thin traffic, save gas and it's good for your heart.

6. Buy in Bulk

Many stores now offer bulk products. Buying in bulk reduces wasteful packaging like plastic, cans and bottles, all of which have carbon footprints of their own. Bulk also lets you buy as much or as little as you want. You're then free to try many different products like grains or beans which is both healthy and fun.

7. Recreate Responsibly

Our free time is ours alone. However, our carbon footprint affects everyone. When it's time to play, try a low-carbon activity like hiking, cycling or sailing.

8. Buy Local and Organic

By definition, local food travels a minimal distance to end up on your plate which lowers the energy needed to deliver it. Organics are clean and free of chemicals that add to the greenhouse effect.

9. Carpool and Use Public Transport

Spend a few extra minutes to call some friends, coordinate travel plans and carpool or ride the bus. It's cheaper for everyone and better for our air.

10. Turn down the water heater

Besides the furnace, the water heater is the biggest energy sucker under your roof. Turn down the setting to about 120° and save money and carbon. Of course, you'll run out of hot water faster so practice taking shorter showers, or don't get as dirty.