Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: 4 Practical Ways

A guest blog by Kat Sarmiento

Despite the controversy surrounding climate change in certain quarters, the evidence is overwhelmingly clear that human activity is likely the primary cause of greenhouse gas emissions, and those emissions are responsible for the global increase in average temperature that we are now experiencing—with the biggest culprit being our use of fossil fuels.

Want to play a role in stemming the tide of climate change? You don't have to be more than what you are right now! Here are seven practical ways normal people like you can help lower your carbon footprint and make a difference.

Switch to Renewable Energy

If you're like most people, you want to cut back on your expenses and save money without making any big lifestyle changes. And one of the simplest ways to do that is to switch to renewable energy sources.

While the upfront cost of solar panels or wind turbines may be higher than traditional energy sources, the long-term savings can be substantial. Renewable energy sources are also far less damaging to the environment than fossil fuels. Burning coal and oil release harmful pollutants into the air, while solar and wind power generate clean electricity.

Scared that renewable energy won't fit your budget? Not to worry—renewable energy sources are becoming more affordable as technology improves and more people install solar panels and wind turbines. Don't worry about doing too little. Taking even small steps—like installing LED light bulbs or investing in solar panels—can make a big difference in both your bottom line and your carbon footprint.

Prioritize Efficient Businesses

All businesses try to be efficient, but few succeed. What does that mean when trying to reduce your carbon emissions?

Voting with your dollar can have a big impact. When you buy products or services, you're supporting the businesses that provide them. If you want to lower your carbon footprint, it's important to prioritize efficient businesses—those that produce the goods and services you need with the least environmental impact.

Many large companies are now publicly committed to reducing their emissions and becoming more environmentally friendly. But even small businesses can be environmentally friendly.

When you're considering which business to support, ask about their sustainability efforts. Do they use renewable energy? Do they source their materials locally? Do they recycle or compost? The more sustainable a business is, the lower its carbon footprint will be—and that's good for both the environment and your wallet.

Being mindful of which businesses you support is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint without changing much in your day-to-day life.

Most companies today have a robust online presence. Use this to research a company's environmental record before you make a purchase. A few things to check out:

Shipping routes - Retailers often have to ship their products at great distances. Look for companies that take pride in their optimized shipping routes. Not only will this help reduce emissions, but it'll also help the company save money—and likely pass those savings on to you.

Packaging - Excessive packaging is one of the biggest environmental culprits in the shipping industry. Look for retailers that use recycled or recyclable materials in their packaging, and avoid those that use excessive plastic wrap, Styrofoam, or other non-recyclable materials. If possible, opt for companies that offer sustainable packaging options, like reusable or compostable packaging.

Consider Remote Working Opportunities

If there's anything that the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us, it's that a significant chunk of the workforce prefers remote working over being in an office.

Not all companies and roles can be done remotely, but if you can, consider taking advantage of the opportunity to work from home. You'll save on commute-related costs like gas and public transportation, and you'll eliminate your carbon footprint from commuting altogether.

Plus, you'll likely be more productive in a comfortable, familiar setting—win-win!

Need more to consider the switch? Employees who work from home are often happier, which, in turn, drives up productivity. So not only will you be doing good for the environment—you'll be doing good for your business too!

Advocate for Change

You may think it's enough to modify a few of your habits to reduce your carbon footprint, but while that's better than nothing, it's not enough. Climate change is a global problem, and it'll take more collective action to fix it.

It's important to advocate for change, whether that means speaking up about the issue with friends and family or taking part in organized protests or campaigns. The more people who stand up and demand action on climate change, the more likely it is that businesses and governments will take notice and make the changes we need to see.

Individual action is important, but it's not enough to fix the problem of climate change. We need to demand systemic change if we want to make a real difference.

Climate change is a pressing issue, but there are things we can all do to help reduce our carbon footprint and make a difference. From supporting sustainable businesses to working remotely to advocating for change, we can all do our part to fight climate change.

Fighting for our world doesn't have to be expensive. The tips we shared above can help you make a difference and even inspire others to do the same. We hope you'll use them in your journey to reduce your carbon footprint. The planet—and future generations—will thank you for it!