If you’re like many people, you may be stunned at #HowMuchCO2 we’re dealing with every day. Thankfully, there are a number of easy changes we can make to reduce our carbon footprints and cut down on this CO2.
Here are some easy ways you can reduce your carbon footprint this year:
Unplug your electronics
While most of us make a conscious effort to turn off electronics when we’re not using them, many people are unaware that they’re actually still using electricity if they’re still plugged in. That’s why it’s a good idea to unplug electronics when you’re not using them- saving electricity and helping decrease your utility bills.
Don’t use your dryer
If the weather is nice, be sure to hang your clothes on the line. This is common elsewhere in the world, however many people seem to be obsessed with drying clothes after washing them instead of hanging them. Did you know that putting your clothes through the clothes dryer is like turning on 225 lightbulbs for an hour? If you have a backyard with a clothesline, you can easily dry your clothes in the fresh air (or look for an indoor drying rack).
Check your boiler
One of the biggest contributors to a large electricity bill is an old, inefficient boiler. If your boiler isn’t functioning properly, it’s likely to be costing you a lot- even if you always seem to be cold in winter. Now’s the time to get it checked and if it needs to be replaced you’ll notice an instant difference in your bills, along with your CO2 emissions. Check out Viessmann for more information.
Flick off the lights
This is perhaps the easiest tip, however it can take some getting used to if you typically walk out of a room without switching off your lights. Make a conscious effort to turn off lights whenever you exit a room, and you’ll be rewarded with lower bills and good karma.
Reduce meat consumption
This is something that’s not just good for the environment- it’s good for your health as well. While many of us are focused on fossil fuels as one of the biggest baddies for the environment, it turns out that greenhouse gases are even worse. While chicken is bad, red meat is even worse, and it takes thousands of gallons of water to produce a single pound of beef.