Carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases that a person or household produces. These carbon gases include carbon dioxide, ozone, and methane. They come from everyday activities like using electrical power produced by coal-power power plants, driving a car to work, and heating or cooling a house.

A person living in the United States has a carbon footprint of around 16 tons, which is among the highest in the world. But households can reduce their carbon footprint by implementing simple yet effective measures at home.

These measures allow them to help reduce the volume of greenhouse gases that they produce and contribute to the reduction in the risk of global warming.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

The first thing that a household can do is to reduce, reuse, and recycle materials that they use at home. Practicing these helps reduce the waste that a household produces. Households should remember that the waste they produce ends up in a landfill.

When the organic material in the landfill decomposes, it produces gases consisting of carbon dioxide, methane, and non-methane organic compounds. These greenhouse gases can trap heat inside the atmosphere, which results in global warming.

To prevent this, the household should reduce the amount of trash it produces. They can also find other uses for items that they have at home. And they can look for a recycling facility in their area and drop of any recyclable items. They can even earn money since some of these facilities pay them for certain items they want to recycle.

Use Renewable Energy

Households can also switch to using renewable energy instead of relying on electricity produced by power plants using fossil fuels. If the local power company does not shift to renewable energy, the household can shift instead.

The household can invest in a renewable power system to reduce its carbon footprint. It can purchase solar power banks and solar panels from a reliable supplier and set them up at home. Aside from reducing its carbon footprint, the household can also save on utility expenses and increase the property’s value.

The household can also check with the local and state authorities if they offer incentives for setting up a renewable power system at home. With this, they can expand their system and eventually disconnect themselves from the main power grid.

Plant More Trees

Having a yard in the property offers a good opportunity for a household to purify the air. Trees absorb around 48 pounds of carbon dioxide every year. They can also reduce cooling and heating expenses since they can provide insulation and shade to the home.

So, planting trees on the property is a good way for a household to reduce their carbon footprint naturally. Aside from planting trees, households can also plant shrubs to enhance the curb appeal of the home. Starting a garden also allows the household a source of fresh vegetables every day. They can even sell extra vegetables that they grow in their garden.

Go Digital

Technology has made the lives of people around the world easier. And latest developments made it possible for people to go paperless. They can send files online, share documents through cloud technology, and even talk with people from the other side of the world in real-time.

Going digital is not only convenient, but it also allows households to go paperless. Paper might be recyclable, but if people use less of it, it will be better for the planet. Households can sign up for paperless billing services with their banks and credit card companies. They can also do the same with their utility providers.

Buy Energy-efficient Appliances

Another way for households to reduce their energy use is to buy energy-efficient appliances. These appliances include refrigerators, water heaters, and dishwashers. When they feel the need to replace their old appliances, households can look for Energy Star certified appliances to ensure they buy energy-efficient appliances.

The last decade saw a lot of advances when it comes to the energy efficiency of appliances. So, households can be assured of saving money when they buy new appliances with the Energy Star label. Aside from saving on energy expenses, they also reduce their carbon footprint since these appliances use less energy.

Bike to Work

Household members who work at the office can opt to leave their cars at home and use a bicycle when going to work. They can also walk if their office is within walking distance. Leaving the car results in a considerable reduction in their carbon footprint.

Reducing the carbon footprint of a household is possible if the members make simple yet effective changes in their daily activities.