The UN’s worrying climate-change report tells us that if desperate measures are not taken to help the environment, Planet Earth will be plunged into desperate times. We need to keep global warming to a maximum of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, otherwise we face the reality of a deepening crisis coming to a head.So, what’s the answer? It’s what it has always been: the collective amount of individuals doing their bit for the environment, and it all starts with your carbon footprint. With all of this in mind, here are five ways that you can reduce your carbon footprint.
Try to eat less meat
Not only will you save a little on your food-shop (meat is expensive!) but it’s also been found that staving off meat is really quite healthy. Limiting your meat intake, even by a modest amount, will make a huge difference. In fact, a recent study shows that the greenhouse gases created in agribusiness are a far greater cause for concern than just fossil fuels.The evidence is stacking up. The above study, conducted in the form of a worldwide survey by global market-research specialists IPSOS MORI, sheds a worrying light on the damages caused by agribusiness and the extent to which we could help reduce its effects.
The study’s leading author Rob Bailey said:
“Preventing catastrophic warming is dependent on tackling meat and dairy consumption, but the world is doing very little.“A lot is being done on deforestation and transport, but there is a huge gap on the livestock sector. There is a deep reluctance to engage because of the received wisdom that it is not the place of governments or civil society to intrude into people’s lives and tell them what to eat.”We believe that it’s not so much ‘telling them what to eat’ as it is advising them on what not to eat. It doesn’t have to be a dietary overhaul, just a few minor alterations.
Drive less, walk more, cycle more
Research tells us that cars release approximately 330 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year, amounting to 20% of the world’s total for pollution! Suffice to say that if you were to cycle to work, or maybe even walk, you’d be making a valued contribution to reducing that number.More cities across the world are making cyclability and walkability a more viable option. With vast green spaces and an architectural focus to encourage people to cycle and walk to their destinations, an increasing number are leaving their cars at home to pound the pavement. You’ll get a bit more exercise in, too!
Dry your clothes on the line
Every home can make this minor lifestyle change – it’s fairly easy to implement and will save you the electricity you may have otherwise used in a dryer. In fact, one dryer-load uses five times more electricity than the washing of the clothes.
Reuse where you can
We’re all responsible for a certain amount of trash, and it’s probably too much of an ask to eradicate our trash production altogether, but we can make concerted efforts to minimise it. We can do this by reusing wherever possible.Reusable shopping bags and coffee cups are the easiest ways that you can minimise the amount of rubbish produced. Who wants to use those flimsy carrier bags anyway?! A strong tote bag won’t let you down.
Install solar panels onto your property
Ah, the ultimate carbon-reducing measure that you can take. Between saving money on your electricity bills and helping the environment, there are so many reasons why you should switch to solar.They could even boost the value of your property if you’re looking to sell in the future. Whatever your motivation, there’s a solar solution out there for you and your home. All you need to do is give us a call and we’ll handle the rest.You can reach us on 0800 112 3110, or you can fill in our quick enquiry form and we’ll get in touch with you. We’re happy to talk through your options!