One of the best ways to start thinking about how you can reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment is to consider how often and what kind of luggage or clothing you bring with you. In November 2021, carbon emissions from traveling surpassed those from electricity generation as the leading cause of global warming. Just like other parts of the world, the U.S. has also seen a number of natural disasters and extreme weather events, which have led to massive increases in the country’s dependence on fossil fuels. This has also made the nation vulnerable to numerous environmental threats such as pollution, wildfire and ozone depletion. Increasingly, the country is also finding it difficult to fulfill its energy demands, which have put a strain on national power grids and increased reliance on imported oil and gas.
To combat this, those in power are encouraging citizens to embrace greener travel by encouraging “green living.”
“Green living” involves the careful use of resources to create a healthier environment and an improved quality of life. The ten materials that store carbon dioxide emissions are: Wood, fuels, plastics, landfills, vehicles, power plants, agricultural waste, and other solid waste. By switching to resources that come from organic or renewable sources, the U.S. can reduce its carbon footprint and reduce its vulnerability to climate change. There are many examples of these sources, including wood from certified forests, soybean meal, coconut oil, wheat grooves, alfalfa, hay, cotton, aloe, and many more.
Next, think about the amount of carbon emissions you are releasing into the atmosphere when you drive to and from work. In the U.S., where traffic is heavily congested, emissions are considered to be the largest contributor to global warming. If you want to avoid driving while polluting the environment, avoid renting a car in Los Angeles or San Francisco. Or if you must drive, find out how you can purchase hybrid cars or double-fuel ones. Consider getting a hybrid vehicle, too.
Then consider your electrical usage. The average American uses more electricity in a single day than the average Japanese person uses in a year. This means more trees are being cut down to produce the electricity needed. Your carbon footprint increases, and so does the risk of global warming.
The final thing to consider is the amount of time and effort you are spending to run your vehicle. The typical American doesn’t spend much time thinking about their car. But people in developing countries often have to drive long distances to get to work. A car can save them tons of trees and emissions by being used efficiently. A new car with all-wheel drive will do the same.
Wind power is the fourth item on the list. Wind energy produces no pollution, so it’s great for fighting climate change. In fact, it’s one of the most powerful clean sources of electricity. If you live in an area prone to extreme weather patterns, installing wind generators at home or on your farm could reduce your electricity bills by 80 percent or more. Plus, if you generate more electricity than you use, you can sell it to your local electric utility!
The final item on the short list is water. Water is an excellent source of clean, renewable energy. Although it doesn’t account for as much carbon as wind, it is still a useful way to fight climate change by using less fossil fuels and creating fewer greenhouse gases. If you want to install solar panels, put up a water garden or invest in an efficient irrigation system, you’ll be doing your bit to reduce your household’s carbon emissions.
By using all ten of these resources, you can significantly reduce the carbon that you and your home release into the atmosphere each year. Not only will you be contributing to less greenhouse gas emissions, but you’ll also be contributing to a healthier future for yourself and your family. So start using energy efficient tools and products today, and you can expect to see the benefits of your actions for many years to come.
Provided by Antonio Westley
Disclaimer: This article is meant to be seen as an overview of this subject and not a reflection of viewpoints or opinions as nothing is definitive. So, make sure to do your research and feel free to use this information at your own discretion.
