It’s no secret – the environment needs to be protected. The amount of pollution in our air, water, and earth is taking its toll on the planet, and the effects are becoming more and more noticeable. As time goes on, these effects get more intense and could soon be devastating in some parts of the world.
Thankfully, people around the globe are more conscious of the environment and are finding ways to make eco-friendly changes in their everyday lives. Offsetting carbon emissions is a good start, but should be used as part of an overall strategy to reduce your footprint rather than the only effort you make. There are many ways to live a greener lifestyle – some of which require little effort with big impacts – not just at home, but also at work and when you are on the road traveling. Here are some ways you can help reduce your carbon footprint.
At home
One of the best ways to reduce your emissions at home is to install solar panels on your roof. Not only will it help your home be more energy self-sufficient, but you could cut the costs of your energy bills as well. Rooftop solar panels are a relatively quick installation process and require little maintenance over their lifespan. While they aren’t the cheapest way to go green, rooftop solar panels are one of the most effective ways to reduce your footprint.
Insulating your home well is another excellent way to reduce emissions. Sealing up leaks and lessening drafts will help keep your home heated without having to crank the thermostat higher, which lowers the overall amount of energy needed to maintain the temperature you want indoors. Make sure to keep an eye on your thermostat – try not to set it too low or too high. You can also set it automatically to adjust for when you aren’t home, so you don’t waste energy.
Other ways to help lower your carbon footprint include:
- Using LED light bulbs.
- Limiting the amount of water you use in the shower or when doing dishes.
- Reusing and recycling as much as possible.
- Hanging your clothes on a line outside rather than using a dryer.
Some energy reducing tactics can be expensive, but it’s worth the investment in order to help reduce your environmental impact. If you’re thinking of taking out a loan to help finance your green investment, it’s a good idea to visit a comparison website to compare online personal loans and help you find the best deal.
At work
In contrast, while trying to make a green impact at work can seem more challenging, there are options for you including trying to work remotely as much as you can, or live closer to work. Recycle as much as you can, and be careful of single-use plastics like plastic cutlery from your work cafeteria.
