Carbon footprint is the term used to describe the amount of carbon used or consumed by a person or organisation going about their everyday business. Obviously it’s important that everybody tries to reduce their carbon use for the good of the planet and luckily a few lifestyle changes can make a big difference- especially if we all try to make them. Read on for a few simple ways to minimize your CO2 footprint.
Your Carbon footprint is broken down into:
Primary footprint- which refers to direct consumption of fossil fuels by the individual/organisation e.g. In the home for heating, lighting etc and things like car and bus travel
Secondary footprint- which refers to indirect CO2 emissions related to the goods and services we all use each day; for example, manufacture and transportation.
Changes to your home
A lot of energy is wasted heating your home so this is a good place to make carbon savings. These changes do cost money but make a big difference in the long term.
1. Fit loft insulation
The average house without adequate loft insulation loses a quarter of its heat through the roof. Fitting the recommended lagging depth of 270mm will therefore save you money on your heating bills as well as saving energy!
2. Cavity wall insulation
A third of the heat in your house escapes through its walls. It’s quick and easy to have these insulated with cavity wall insulation which is pumped into your walls from the outside of your home, saving even more money year on year as well as reducing your carbon footprint.
3. Stop drafts
Fit draft excluders on doors and consider fitted double glazed windows to further reduce heat, and therefore energy lost from your home.
4. Fit insulating jacket to hot water tank
This is an inexpensive job to do and will pay for itself in no time. The heat it traps reduces the amount of energy needed to heat the water up but it should be at least 3” thick for the best effect.
5. Fit an energy efficient boiler
If your boiler is more than 10-15 years old, you should consider replacing it with an A rated, energy efficient condensing boiler. If you live in the UK the government offers a boiler “scrappage” scheme, and will pay you £400 towards the cost of new boiler.
6. Install Energy saving Light bulbs
Replace your 100W bulbs with new energy saving ones which last longer and save electricity.
Transportation
1.Walk or cycle to work instead of driving
Try walking or cycling to work a few times a week. It’s good for the environment and you’ll soon notice the difference to your waistline!
2. Drive smarter
Keep your car well maintained and the tyres correctly inflated. Avoid harsh acceleration and braking and change up a gear earlier to save fuel. Consider car sharing with friends/colleagues
3. Buy a more fuel efficient car
When the time comes to replace your car, choose a more fuel efficient model with a higher MPG figure and lower emissions.
Small things that add up
1. Switch off appliances
Turn electrical appliances off when not in use rather than leaving them on
standby.
2. Turn your thermostat down
Turn your thermostat down by 1 degree C; you won’t notice the difference- until the heating bill arrives!
3. Take a shower
Take showers instead of bathing to halve the amount of water used.
4. Low energy laundry
Try to avoid running your washing machine half empty, and dry clothes on the line instead of using the dryer where possible. Always wash at 30º to save energy.
5. Only boil what you need
Avoid filling your kettle up unnecessarily. Only boil the amount you need.
6. Recycle as much as possible
You should make every effort to recycle all items that can be recycled. Many local authorities provide regular collections for the obvious items such as paper, plastic bottles etc. Larger items such as computers and electrical items can also be recycled where facilities exist. Batteries and empty printer cartridges can also be recycled (keep an eye out for collection bins in computer stores). Remember- You can always sell any unwanted items rather than throw them away.
7. Buy local or in-season produce
Many fruits and vegetables travel half way around the world before you buy them. This is how they are available all year round! Try to buy food that is in season where you live or even grown locally to reduce your carbon footprint. You might even like to try your hand at growing your own food!
8. Buy re-chargeable batteries
These can often be charged 1000’s of times and will reduce the amount of toxic waste you discard into the environment. Take worn out batteries to recycling centres (many electrical retailers now offer a battery recycling service).
Image: Flickr user DaveBleasdale
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