Simple Things You Can Do To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Global warming is having a significant impact on the planet year after year, with no sign of it easing unless we make change. Although it is often discussed in the media by huge corporations, there is plenty we can do on a day-to-day basis to make sure we are doing our bit. Although we may not think our small changes make a big difference, every little helps and if everyone made a few changes, then it could completely change the future for our planet. 

Here are a few things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint! 

Try Veganism or Vegetarianism 

One of the best things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint is to reduce your intake of meat and/or dairy. The production of meat and dairy is responsible for a huge amount of pollution, so making changes to your diet could help to significantly reduce your carbon footprint. 

For some people, completely cutting out meat or dairy is not possible, so just aim to cut down. Try to replace meat with alternatives 3 times a week or try out new vegetarian meals for lunch. It may seem daunting to begin with, however you will soon notice how easy and delicious a meat and/or dairy free diet can be! 

To maximise the benefits on the environment, buy from local farmers and try to buy organic or sustainably sourced ingredients. You could even try growing your own fruit, vegetables or herbs to be as eco-friendly as possible! You will be healthy, happy and you can help the environment at the same time. 

Try To Cut Down Water Usage

Another simple way to help the environment is to cut down on your water usage. We use water all the time in our daily life, including when we are drinking, washing, cleaning or cooking. So, try these things to cut down on your usage and reduce water waste! 

Firstly, try to reduce the amount of washing you do. Make sure that you don’t do a wash unless you have a full load and don’t be afraid to rewear an item a few times if it doesn’t need to be washed. Next up, turn the tap off when you are brushing your teeth. You really don’t need it running when you are brushing, so turning it off will save so much water over time! Finally, consider taking shorter showers. We all love a nice long shower every now and again, however cutting them down most of the time to around 5 or 10 minutes will save you a lot of water and money. 

Using water can be very expensive, so not only will you be helping the planet but you will save a lot of water. You can use these savings to reinvest in more eco-friendly items for your home. 

Use Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

Another simple swap is to change your normal light bulbs for energy efficient ones. They use much less energy, don’t cost much more than normal light bulbs and they also last much longer. In the long run, they are much better value as you will save money as you won’t have to replace them as often and you will save some money on your energy bills too! This might not be a massive saving, but as with everything else, it will add up over time. 

It may be obvious, but also make sure that you turn light switches off when you leave a room. Again, this may seem silly as it won’t save a huge amount of energy each time, but such a simple task could make a big difference over the course of a lifetime! 

Use Your Car Less and Your Legs More!

Although it is tempting to use your car when it is there, try to do your best to resist using it when possible! Rather than driving down to your local shop for a few bits of shopping, enjoy a nice walk instead. If you can walk to work, do that instead of using the car. If you can’t, then use public transport and walk to your closest bus or train stop. This will save you money and cutting down on using your car can have a huge positive impact on the environment. 

Cycling is also another fantastic alternative to using your car or public transport, as once again you will be helping the environment, saving money and getting healthy! As you can probably tell by now, often things that help the environment will also help to save you money. Although it may take a bit of adjusting, these things will soon become a part of your routine and you won’t know any different. 

Buy Vintage Jewellery 

Although this might not be the first thing you think of, another great way to help the environment and save money is to buy vintage jewellery. There is so much amazing, beautiful and unique vintage jewellery out there just waiting to be picked. Vintage jewellery was carefully handcrafted as it was mostly made before mass production existed, so these pieces have so much more character than modern equivalents. You will be cutting out all of the damaging processes involved in extracting the gemstones for vintage jewellery and actually making the products. 

Not only this, but vintage jewellery is actually VAT exempt as it has been owned before. So you could get a piece of jewellery that is the same quality as a modern equivalent for 20% cheaper, as VAT would have already been paid on the item in the past. This is a win-win situation, so consider vintage jewellery when you are next buying a gift! 

Summary

The planet has changed massively due to global warming and we are a big part of that. So, try making a few small adjustments to help the planet and these things will also save you money!  From changing your diet slightly to changing light bulbs or walking more, you will soon find that these things become second nature.