Before we start with HOW, let’s talk about WHAT a carbon footprint is. The Great Google says it’s “the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.”

So, in easier words, a carbon footprint is the resultant carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere because of our day to day (or eventful) activities. It is the amount of carbon dioxide that WE are adding to the world and everyone has their own individual input to the bucket. Now, it’s not breaking news that carbon dioxide isn’t the best gas of all especially when in excess. It’s a hazardous gas, acidic in nature so, obviously, any extra dump of it in the environment should be avoided.

And here comes the “HOW”. There are several ways you can avoid being a contributor to this mess without compromising on a lot in your everyday life. Scroll down, read, and choose your favorite ways (if not all) to make a difference.

Here are 10 Small Steps to Reduce your Carbon Footprint

Eat less meat.

Many people are not aware of this, but there is a surprisingly huge connection between meat consumption and environmental change. Take beef, for example, which takes up to 5000 gallons of water. Animal agriculture is one of the biggest consumers of freshwater and greenhouse gas emitters.You don’t have to become a vegetarian. Just lowering down the consumption from 7 days a week to 1 or 2 will be great!

Drive less.

Probably the most apparent and obvious source of harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, is vehicles. We’re not going to get into the mechanics of how a car or a motorcycle produces them, so let’s just skip the boring part.
What you can do is, try not to drive if you’re going somewhere near. Take a walk, or ride a bicycle instead. It’s not only good for the environment but also for your health.

Plant a garden.

The best way to combat excessive production of carbon dioxide is to increase the amount of plants in your surroundings. Plants take up this gas, convert it to oxygen (which is consumed by us, humans) and cleans the air we breathe. So, more plants please!

Air-dry your clothes.

You probably don’t know this, but your drier uses more electricity than all the lights around your house. And where do you think so much electricity comes from?  Wasting electricity means wasting valuable resources and increasing your carbon footprint. Reduce it simply by drying your clothes on the line, the good, old, traditional way.

Switch off extra appliances.

As we just discussed the importance of saving electricity, when not in use, switch off any extra lights or appliances. Save electricity (and your money).

Don’t waste food.

When it comes to valuable resources, electricity is not the only thing to be saved from wasting. Food is equally important to be valued and stopped from ending up in dustbins and landfills. Take smaller amounts of food in your plate. If you need more, you can always add more. Don’t start up with huge amounts of food on your plate because it will eventually be wasted.

Don’t buy fast fashion.

Fast fashion refers to the clothes that you buy when a sudden, temporary trend hits the town. These trends come and go and so do the clothes from your wardrobe. These items fill up landfills and also waste so many resources in producing them.  You can reduce your side of the waste by buying clothes that are classic, versatile, always in trend and can be reused.

Use reusable shopping bags.

Speaking of landfills, plastic bags are another, major contributors to the greenhouse gas emission and reusable grocery bags have started making their way into the community which is always great news.

Choose organic food.

When you opt for food that isn’t local and needs to be imported, shipping of such items produces a huge carbon footprint. Try to choose more food items that are in the season and locally available.

Support environmentally friendly businesses.

Last but not the least, if you’re willing to make any change in your life or the community, eco-friendly businesses is the way to go. Support them, support their cause and help the environment. It’s beneficial to ALL of us.

So which of these changes are you going to make? How are you planning to reduce YOUR carbon footprint? Do you have any other ideas? Let us know, which of the 10 Small Steps to Reduce your Carbon Footprint you will be incorporating.