Carbon Freedom: Is it possible?

So what is global warming? Carbon dioxide and other gases warm the surface of the earth naturally by trapping solar heat, making it possible for life to survive on earth. However, deforestation and pollution is increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and temperatures are rising. This has caused a change in climatic patterns across the world.

While governments make policy decisions, we can all make an effort to fight global warming. It’s simple, maybe we could turn our engines off at traffic signals, maybe we could reuse gift-wrapping paper – all we have to do is make responsible decisions and small adjustments in our lifestyles.

Here are 10 ways to reduce your carbon footprint:

Turn vegan - This is not just another plea by animal welfare activists. It is actually the biggest step that you can take as an individual to reduce the size of your carbon footprint.

And there are scientific studies to prove it — the National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science in Tsukuba, Japan, found that producing one kg of beef leads to emission of greenhouse gases with a warming potential equivalent to 36.4 kg of carbon dioxide. And of course, eating sensibly means food grains reserved for livestock can reach people instead, helping the world hunger problem.

Save electricity at home - The simplest way to do this is by switching off lights, fans and gadgets. Don’t even leave your computer or TV on standby. Use a liquid crystal flat screen monitor for your computer or TV, it uses 1/4 of the power of a tube monitor, and is better for the eyes.

Don’t set your washing machine for a hot water wash. If you can’t switch to solar water heaters, get timers for your geysers. Don’t set the thermostat of your refrigerator too high. Buy energy efficient home appliances.

Be energy efficient at work - Switch off your computer when you’re leaving your desk. Turn off unnecessary lights and gadgets. Don’t take unnecessary print-outs at the office, use the blank side of printed paper to take phone messages and write notes.

Go organic - Buy locally grown food — if the food doesn’t travel far, there are less emissions from the vehicles that transport it. Eat fruits and vegetables that are in season, which again cut down on transportation costs. Buy vegetables and fruits that are grown using organic fertilisers or without use of pesticides.

Reduce waste - Cut down on use of plastics and paper. Carry your own bag when you go shopping. Avoid products that use a lot of packaging, especially plastic and moulded wrapping that cannot be recycled.

Segregate waste - Separate waste that can be recycled from kitchen and organic waste. For instance, send plastics, paper, glass and metal for recycling, and kitchen waste can be used to fertilise your house plants.

Grow small plants - Even if you live in an apartment, there are small flowering plants you grow on your balcony. Choose hardy, local species that require less water. Not only do plants brighten up your home, they also help in recharging the atmosphere.

Change the way you travel - Use public transport. Walk. Cycle. Not only will it reduce emissions and pollution, it will keep you fit. If you’re buying a car, choose one that gives you good mileage.

Be wise about water use - The simplest way to save water is to close taps and fix leaks. Use shower heads and flush tanks that use less water. Recycle water when possible, water from the kitchen can be used to water your plants.

Spread the word - Tell more people about global warming and its consequences. Explain that each of us can make a difference, that every decision we make can reduce emissions and help fight climate change. Try to win them over to a greener lifestyle.

From The Economic Times

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