The carbon footprint is a fast-growing phenomenon, unfortunately not in a positive way. The effect actually worsens the environment and triggers climate change.

The more carbon footprint, the more the environment is at risk of being damaged. As part of an ecosystem, humans have little time to reduce their carbon footprint and limit the devastating effects of global warming.

That's why, even the smallest act to reduce the carbon footprint is a great contribution. The problem is, sometimes we are producing carbon footprint through our daily routines.

Simple Steps to Reduce Carbon Footprint

Reducing the carbon footprint can be started through simple steps, even from daily activities. From the moment you wake up until you sleep, these steps can contribute in reducing your carbon footprint.

1. Avoid Plastic

As an illustration, 5 tons of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere is produced by 1 ton of plastic. In addition, single-use plastic currently fills beaches and oceans, threatening marine animals.

The good news is we can reduce plastic without even trying. Just avoid plastic!

A simple example, do not use plastic tablespoons, straws, plastic bags, and avoid buying packaged stuff. This step is simple, but the effect is big for reducing carbon.

2. Avoid Making Leftover

Only buy foods that are consumed and avoid filling the refrigerator with ingredients that are not likely to be eaten. This step will save the budget, but also protects the environment because 8% of greenhouse gasses are produced by leftover food. So, plan your food.

3. Avoid Bottled Water

Not only because it creates waste, but bottled water is actually expensive. Bringing a refillable bottle is recommended because of the various positive sides. Not all plastic bottles are designed to be food-grade, and that is dangerous because they may contaminate the water.

4. Turn off the lights

Never turn on the light when you are not in the room, even at night. Use energy-saving lamps or automatic lights that turn on when someone is in the room, and vice versa

5. Don't Make Trash

Any waste will produce a carbon footprint because it triggers the greenhouse effect when it begins to decompose. Packaging occupies of 28% of household waste, and the best way to prevent is by avoiding it.

6. Drive Less

Less driving can reduce carbon production significantly. Driving a car once a week contributes to an 84% carbon reduction. Though, it's impossible not to drive at all, but reducing its frequency is enough.

Start with shorter distances to build a habit, then work for longer distances. After all, walking or riding a bicycle is healthy.

7. Check the Tire Pressure

If you have to drive, check the air pressure. Flat tires make fuel consumption increase because the vehicle becomes heavier. The right air pressure can increase fuel efficiency by 3%.

8. Avoid Traffic Jams

Choose a route that is free from traffic jams. Besides wasting your time, traffic jams increase fuel consumption and add unnecessary carbon emissions.

9. Plant

It doesn't have to be trees, vegetables or small plants. Plants, regardless of type, act as natural coolants and neutralizing carbon. Plants are useful for absorbing carbon from the atmosphere and providing new oxygen which helps the environment, especially for the local environment.

10. Preserve Water

All processes to bring water into the house require large amounts of energy which results in the creation of greenhouse gasses. In short, the more water you use, the higher your carbon footprint.

The easiest way to control water usage is to fix the leaking faucet or turn off the water when brushing your teeth. This is a simple step, but the result is positive for the environment (including the bill).

11. Don't Buy Trending Items

Products that are trending will quickly obsolete and end up in the trash which can trigger methane. Every year individuals produce at least 36 kg of trend goods which end up as waste. The solution, buy quality products because they are more durable.

12. Reuse

Regardless the product, find the best way to reuse it. Besides reusing according to its original function, try to provide modifications to increase its benefits. Reusing used cardboard can reduce your local carbon footprint, it's that simple!

13. Remove All Plugs

If you no longer need it, remove all connected cable. Especially phone chargers, the amount of energy consumed is actually the same when it is being used to charge.

14. Use Cold Water

Use cold water when bathing, as well as when washing other items that are not required to be washed with hot water. Heating water produces large amounts of carbon.

More energy is wasted during the heating process and it contributes to increase the carbon footprint. Using cold water gives an equally clean effect, and leaves no carbon footprint.

15. Use a Laptop

Computers consume 80% more energy than laptops but offer the exact same functionality. Unless you really need a super-fast processor, it would be wise to choose a laptop instead of a computer. Another advantage, laptops are more flexible to carry.

16. Use Rechargeable Batteries

Reusing batteries is beneficial for the environment because its composition is dangerous and its components cannot be decomposed naturally. Rechargeable batteries are now more affordable, so there is no reason to avoid them.