Green swaps to reduce your carbon footprint

Image by Christoffer Borg Mattisson from Pixabay

This is a contributed post

Reducing our carbon footprint has become increasingly important over the last few years. It’s something that has changed how we live our lives.

In the last few years, going green has become more prominent. This is the result of several factors, including increased awareness thanks to high-profile environmental campaigners like Sir David Attenborough and Greta Thunberg.

However, one of the most pressing reasons for an increased awareness of our carbon footprint is that by 2050, the UK government wants the country to be carbon net zero. This aim has already seen a ban on traditional petrol and diesel-powered vehicles, along with the phasing out of traditional gas boilers.

But there are more ways to make changes that you can try in order to reduce your carbon footprint.

What is carbon neutrality?

Before we look at how to make some swaps in order to reduce our carbon footprint, it’s worth knowing a little about the terminology that you may encounter.

Carbon neutral means not releasing any carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. If you’re not t releasing any carbon dioxide, you won’t be contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Carbon net zero takes this a step further. This is reducing greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible. Net carbon zero is achieved when the amount of greenhouse gas produced is no more than the amount that’s taken away.

Top swaps to try

So, how can you make a difference?

Transportation

Considering the way that we get around can make a big difference in the number of harmful pollutants that are released into the atmosphere. We’ve already mentioned that traditionally fuelled cars will be banned. But before that ban comes into play, there are ways to reduce air pollution when we travel.

Swapping the car for the bike is a great example of this. Many workplaces are now offering incentives for those who cycle to the office. Also, if possible try swapping that flight for the train.

Energy use

We’re all very aware of the energy we use in the home, especially given the price of bills. But to really consider how you can reduce energy use in the home, it’s worth getting into good habits like reducing the amount of time you have the heating on for and checking heat isn’t escaping through windows.

A smart meter is a great way to monitor what you use. Check out the reviews to work out which one would work best for you.

Reusables

It’s easy to be wasteful around the home – especially when we’re presented with plastic packaging that can’t be recycled. But there are ways to reduce waste.

Look out for stores that promote the use of jars to refill with food and household essentials like cleaning products. Also, there are shops that ask you to return packaging to the store once the product is used. The Body Shop, for example, has been doing this for years.