While one person reducing their carbon footprint might not have a drastic global impact, if millions of people across the UK attempt to limit their carbon usage wherever possible we could easily see transformative results.
If you’re interested in doing your part, here are 5 ways you can help.
Choose Public Transport Or Electric Vehicles
It shouldn’t be a surprise that the motoring industry is a huge contributor to carbon emissions. Earlier this year Statista released a report that shows global carbon emissions from cars and vans grew to 3.53 billion metric tons in 2022. Even getting the fuel to your local petrol station creates huge carbon emissions, as it needs to be dug up, shipped, and transported, before being used in your car.
But with travel being such an integral part of our lives, it can feel impossible to limit your usage, but there are options. For example, you could rely on public transport. Buses and trains are far more fuel efficient per person than cars, especially when you consider that public transport can significantly reduce traffic too.
Alternatively, you can invest in an electric vehicle (EV). While buying an EV from new can be incredibly expensive, there are multiple electric used cars available in yorkshire in the uk and the surrounding areas.
Purchase Second-Hand And Sustainable Products
Another way to reduce your carbon footprint is to focus on purchasing more sustainable products. Certain industries, such as fast fashion, are incredibly wasteful and rely on clothes only being worn a few times before they either fall apart or are thrown away.
However, by purchasing clothes from charity shops and various resellers like Vinted or Depop, you can give old clothes a new lease of life. Alternatively, there are a multitude of eco-friendly clothing brands which prioritise recycled materials and ethical production, limiting the damage caused.
Reduce Food Waste And Eat Sustainably
Just like the automotive industry, the food industry is a massive contributor to CO2 levels. One of the main reasons for that is the shipping involved with food.
Tesco, for example, imports apples from New Zealand and other countries around the world. One way to combat this is to buy local produce, fresh from farmers’ markets. Not only are you helping the environment, but you’re also benefitting from healthier, local produce.
Switch To Green Energy Providers
While you might think that all energy companies are the same, that simply isn’t the case. There are several companies, like Octopus Energy and Bulb) which aim to provide energy generated solely from renewable sources, such as wind and solar. In turn, this reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and helps to grow the renewable energy industry.
Growing the demand can have a knock-on effect and help larger companies make the switch to more sustainable methods.
Minimise Plastic Use And Recycle Smartly
Our final method to reduce your carbon footprint is to limit your use of plastic. This can be challenging, especially since plastics seem to be unavoidable – but there are steps you can take. For example, laundry detergent, shower gel, and other cleaning products can be replaced at various refilling shops.
It’s also worth noting that many plastics that could be recycled are being thrown into general rubbish instead. Making an effort to be more vigilant with your recycling could go a long way to reduce plastic waste, especially if it’s part of a community effort.