1. What Is Your Carbon Footprint?
You must have heard of carbon footprint before. But, do you know what that really is? A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases you generate from your everyday activities. It includes everything you do -from taking a bath to the ways of transportation you use. Even the food you eat contributes to your carbon footprint.
The US has one of the world’s highest levels of carbon footprint per person. If we want to save our planet and lower global temperatures, we need to change our habits. We don’t need to make some huge, crucial changes; some small steps would make a good start.
Things like eating less meat, riding a bike instead of going by car, or conserving energy in your household can really make the difference.
2. Renewable Energy Options To Help Lower Your Carbon Footprint
Many clean energy sources are also renewable, which includes hydroelectric power, wind power, and geothermal power. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of clean energy, however, is the environmental advantages as a part of a green energy future. While clean, sustainable sources preserve the earth s valuable resources, they also decrease the risk of large-scale environmental disasters, like fuel spills or the issues related to natural gas leaks.
Even tiny changes in your everyday activities can be useful in lowering your carbon footprint. Changing your eating or transportation habits is very useful.
Another thing you should try to change is the type and the amount of energy you use. Natural gas and is the traditional energy source in most Ohio households.
Yet, renewable energy options can make a significant difference in lowering your carbon footprint.
Renewable energy is the energy generated from sources that don’t emit greenhouse gases and other pollution into the atmosphere. When it comes to clean energy sources, there are two main options: solar power and wind power. Solar power works by collecting the suns’ rays, which are converted into energy and stored in special solar cells. This is the process that gives solar panels their ability to harvest energy, and wind power functions by using the natural energy of the wind to turn a generator and create energy for the home. As you can see, these are two very different energy types and although both are relatively efficient, they are also quite different from one another.
So, if you are concerned with your carbon footprint there is something you can do. One of the things you can do is to contact your utility provider and look into your Columbia Gas Ohio renewable energy options to choose clean energy options.
3. Other Ways To Lower Your Carbon Footprint
As you can see, there is a wide range of possibilities when it comes to lowering your carbon footprint. And every little helps. Here are some other ideas to help you with this.
Drive less – walk more
People nowadays use their cars wherever they go. I mean, cars are great, but they emit huge amounts of CO2 and pollute the atmosphere.
So, why wouldn’t you try walking to the shop in your neighborhood instead of driving? You will lower your carbon footprint, spend less gas and be in better shape.
If you live in a big city like Columbus, Ohio, your walking options are unlimited. If you live in a suburb, you may need to bike or take public transportation to reduce your travel times. Wherever you live, you can no doubt decrease the amount you drive by looking for alternatives, carpooling, or combining trips. The gas you can save from burning in your car will pay off in spades both for your pocketbook, as well as the environment.
Use energy wisely
Yes, this is the 21st century and you need electricity for nearly everything in our homes. Yet, it really matters if you unplug the devices you are not using, turn off the lights when you are not in the room, and turn down the central heating. It could have positive impacts both on the environment and your utility bills.
Watch what you eat
Most people don’t pay too much attention to what they eat. They instinctively choose what they like most. But you probably don’t know that the food you eat also influences your carbon footprint. And you want this to get lower, right?
So, being more careful of the kind of food you eat could be really useful and helpful. This means that you should consider lowering the amount of meat and dairy you have. Eat more fruit, vegetables, and beans.
Also, try to plan your meals ahead. Make sure you know how much food is approximately necessary to reduce your food waste.
Final thoughts
Nowadays, it is more than ever important to be aware of environmental issues and to be kind to our planet. Some of these facts and tips may be useful and motivate you to start lowering your carbon footprint. It’s worth trying.
