In the past, humans didn’t think much about their impact on the earth. Now, every person is somewhat aware of how environmentally friendly their choices are. That is because too much pollution, deforestation, and waste have contributed to environmental issues that affect everyone. Knowing this, most people want to alter their habits to help save the earth. The question is, how exactly do you do this? To help reduce your carbon footprint, here are five steps to an eco-friendlier lifestyle.
1: Lower Your Car Emissions
Cars release CO2 emissions, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. To help the environment, you must lower your car emissions. There are a few ways to do this. First, you could stop driving your car so much. If you get behind the wheel for frivolous short journeys, try cutting back by walking, taking public transport, or riding a bike. That isn’t an option for everyone, though. Luckily, there are eco-friendly options for driving in the form of electric cars. One company that produces high-quality electric cars is Tesla. You could go a step further and buy a preowned Tesla, reducing your carbon footprint in both your car emissions and in the way you shop.
2: Recycle as Much as You Can
More companies than ever sell their products in recyclable packaging, making it easier for everyone to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills. It helps to get a trash can specifically for recycling so that you don’t absent-mindedly throw a plastic bottle or can into the trash. If you work for a company, try getting them on board with recycling if they aren’t already.
3: Shop Locally and Second Hand
Manufacturing contributes heavily to pollution – especially large companies that create millions of items every day. To help reduce that, try shopping locally and second-hand where you can. If you need a new car or phone, consider getting a used one that’s been repaired. If you need groceries, head to a local store before picking up anything else you need in the grocery store. Not only will this cut down your carbon footprint, but it will also tell companies that your money goes toward eco-friendly places first, which could inspire them to adapt to eco-friendly practices.
4: Eat Less Meat and Dairy
The meat and dairy industries are other big contributors to pollution. That doesn’t mean you need to go full vegetarian or vegan to cut down your carbon footprint (although that’s great if you do!), but it helps to cut down on your meat and dairy intake. There are tons of excellent vegetarian and vegan recipes to try that will expand your meal options while helping you eat more ethically.
You may also opt for a more eco-friendly way of cooking and might want to buy a kamado cooker; you can use it to make vegetarian and vegan meals. With that, you can cook various dishes with just one appliance. You can use it to grill, smoke, bake, or sear, making it easy to make delicious healthy meals. Plus, it’s an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint.
5: Switch Off Electrics
The world is run by electricity. There’s no way for most people to live without it, but you can switch it off more often. Switch off the lights when you exit the room, unplug the electrics that are not in use, and lower your thermostat when you can. Little adjustments like these will help you live a cleaner, eco-friendlier lifestyle.