4 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint in 2023.
There’s nothing like a new year to get you excited about making some changes in your life. If you’ve made the decision to become more eco-friendly and reduce your carbon footprint this year – thank you! It’s people like yourself who are leading the change toward a greener future and inspiring others to do the same.
With that said, searching for climate change solutions can feel daunting. The news is full of scary headlines that make it difficult to stay focused on your resolutions. Still, it’s the seemingly small actions of many that can drive big change. Here are four easy changes that can make a big impact.
4 Steps to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
1. Eat Less Red Meat
Humans need protein to survive, but some forms of protein create far more carbon emissions than others. Research shows that per 100 grams of protein:
- Beef emits nearly 50 kg of CO2
- Lamb emits nearly 20 kg of CO2
- Pig meat emits 7.61 kg of CO2
- Grains emit 2.71 kg of CO2
- Soybeans emit 1.98 kg of CO2
- Peas emit 0.44 kg of CO2
2. Change the Way Your Travel
Transportation is now the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions. As of 2020, it was responsible for 27% of US emissions. These numbers are a result of the fossil fuel we burn to power our cars, trains, airplanes, ships, and trucks.
In 2023, consider alternate methods of transportation or travel less where possible. If you live in a city with a strong transportation system, consider taking the bus or train more often. According to an APTA report, “A single person, commuting alone by car, who switches a 20-mile round trip commute to existing public transportation, can reduce his or her annual CO2 emissions by 4,800 pounds per year, equal to a 10% reduction in all greenhouse gasses produced by a typical two-adult, two-car household.”
3. Be Mindful of Food Waste
You might be surprised by the impact of food waste on our climate. Some reports show that food waste is responsible for 6% of our greenhouse gas emissions globally. It may be even higher, as that figure doesn’t account for food losses on farms during harvest and production
We generate carbon emissions with the production, transportation, and handling of food. Plus, when we throw food into the landfill, it creates methane, which is an even more potent greenhouse gas than CO2.
Aim to reduce your food waste by planning your meals and shopping your pantry and fridge before going to the grocery store. Look for new ways to use up veggies that are near going bad, like freezing them or turning them into vegetable broth. You can also start composting food scraps, which eliminates the possibility of generating methane.
4. Get Energy Efficient
Our homes require a lot of energy, which ultimately leads to carbon emissions. You can cut down on emissions by looking for ways to make your home more energy efficient. Swap old light bulbs for LED bulbs. If you need any new appliances, look for energy-efficient options. Buy a smart thermostat to help you regulate the temperatures in your home and use less energy. Turn off lights and appliances when they’re not in use
It’s also worth noting that a poorly insulated home will cause you to use more energy for heating and cooling. If you do need to replace insulation, aim to use an eco-friendly option. At LIM Living, we use wool insulation because it improves indoor air quality and offers excellent performance. You can also check doors and windows to ensure that air isn’t getting in or out there. We use LEED-certified windows because
As you can see, climate change solutions don’t have to be complex. If everyone took the simple steps discussed above to reduce their carbon footprint, we could have a significant impact on the health of our planet. At LIM Living, we make sustainability part of everything that we do. You can read more about our practices here.