HOW TO LOWER YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
Your carbon footprint is the measurement of how well you are doing in reducing greenhouse gasses that are affecting our planet’s health. We all wish to do our part in lowering these emissions. Here are some suggestions under the headings of food, clothing, shopping, home, transportation and civic engagement.
FOOD: Eat more vegetables and less meat. Consider following a “meatless Monday” plan. (One year of one meatless meal a week is roughly equal to the emissions from driving 1160 miles). Buy food in season, locally and in bulk (when possible & using your own non plastic containers). Shop wisely, store correctly, use up left-overs and compost the rest. Learn or relearn canning and freezing techniques. Plan a garden.
CLOTHING: Purchase less—buy to last. Consider recycled clothing and donate old clothing. Learn to reuse material scraps in rag rugs, quilts, dolls, etc. 85% of discarded clothing goes to a landfill. Wash clothing in cold water (save energy to heat water) and consider washing soap sheets (less packaging). Line dry clothes when possible.
SHOPPING: Buy less stuff, take reusable bags with you to shop. Use Energy Star Guide when buying items. Buy batteries that can be recharged. Think seriously between need and want and resist temptation for the latest fad in any product---especially electronic. Recycle old tv’s, monitors, computers, and batteries Say no to plastics (straws, bags, water bottles, clam shells, etc.)
HOUSE: Does your house need better windows, more attic or wall insulation? Have you switched all bulbs to LEDs? Have you sealed cracks, weather-stripped around windows and doors? Do you use a programmable thermostat? Have you resolved to wear layers instead of turning up the heat? Are you using fans to distribute heat or coolness? Have you turned down your hot water temperature? Are there any dripping faucets or leaky toilets? Fix these right away. Use a power strip to avoid “electric vampires''
TRANSPORTATION: Drive less (Lawrence bus will be free in 2023). Keep tires inflated and car serviced, reduce quick bursts of power or braking hard. Avoid any drive-through situations or running the engine while waiting for your kids after school. Consider your next car to be hybrid or all electric. Fly less and buy off-sets.
CIVIC DUTIES: Vote every time and vote as an informed person. Hold policy makers responsible for their decisions. Keep informed about climate and political issues and participate in finding solutions that promote the common good. Be the citizen you wish others to be.
EARTH STEWARD ACTION: Are there actions you can take to lower your carbon footprint? Track them by going to https://www.sustainislanhome;com
SOURCES: Https://www.news.climate.columbia.edu/2018/12/27/35-ways-reduce-carbon-footprint/