4 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home

As people become more concerned about the climate and the environment as a whole, more and more individuals are taking steps to try to reduce their environmental impact and minimize their carbon footprint. While it’s practically impossible to live in a modern world without creating some waste, there are still several things you can do to remove that waste and live a more environmentally friendly life. Here are a few suggestions of things to do in your own home that can help.

Eliminate Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastic is a significant source of waste. Not only do they fill up landfills because they biodegrade at a very, very slow rate, but they also take a lot of energy to produce and cause a lot of pollution. Plus, they often end up in the ocean, other water sources, and animal habitats, where they can cause serious harm. Eliminating as many single-use plastics as you can in your home can make a massive difference for the environment. Try these tips for replacing common single-use plastics:

• Plastic shopping bags – Purchase reusable shopping bags and use these at the store. Or, if your grocery store offers it, opt for paper instead. Even if you only use a few, eliminating a few plastic bags every time you shop still makes a difference.
• Plastic straws – Purchase reusable metal or silicone straws instead. Make sure to have some in your vehicle for those drive-thru stops or trips to the gas station, so you don’t have to use those plastic straws.
• Plastic storage bags – Invest in reusable silicone storage bags or washable food wraps made from environmentally friendly materials, like cotton and beeswax.
• Plastic utensils – Just put in the extra effort to wash some extra silverware! If you must use disposable utensils for some reason, look for biodegradable ones.

These are some common sources of reusable plastics in many households that can be easily eliminated.

Start Composting

According to the EPA, more food goes to landfills and incinerators than any single type of material Americans put in the trash, accounting for about 22% of solid waste. Eliminating food waste in your home can significantly dent your contributions to the local landfill. Of course, you should try not to waste edible food at all. If you see yourself buying a lot of vegeables, definitely consider starting your own garden with organic seeds you can buy online. But for food items like eggshells, banana peels, vegetable trimmings, and potato peels. These materials break down well in a compost bin to make nutrient-rich soil that’s perfect for gardening. As a bonus, growing your food in a garden is another excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint! Plus, they often end up in the ocean, other water sources, and animal habitats, where they can cause serious harm. Eliminating as many single-use plastics as you can in your home can make a massive difference

Switch to Solar

While it’s a significant investment, once you add solar power to your home, you can feasibly power your entire house on renewable energy, reducing your dependence on traditional power sources. Solar panels, batteries, and solar inverters are more accessible and affordable than ever, so now is the perfect time to invest in this environmentally friendly upgrade.