We’re used to treading in dirt but no one wants to hear about the mark our steel caps leave on your site. We’re taking a bit of a (foot)step back and looking at the greater impact of humans on planet earth. A ‘carbon footprint’ is a term you’ve probably heard buzzing around, coined to indicate the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) generated by our actions as individuals or a collective. To cut to the chase, more greenhouse gases equal a hotter earth and eventually, an unliveable planet. Seems like something you’d want to limit right?
If you’re anything like us, you love to see the numbers. Give yourself a little extra motivation to reduce your impact and find out your, otherwise illusive, carbon footprint. Yes, it does feel like you’re stepping on the scales but finding out how heavy your mark is on this planet gives you insight into how much you need to offset to compensate for your greenhouse gas emissions. Weigh in here.
Whether you’re brave enough to quantify your impact or not, it’s likely that you can reduce your score. That’s why we’ve listed some simple, but effective, ways to reduce your carbon footprint and lessen your load on planet earth.
It feels counterintuitive to say walk more to have less of a footprint but here we are. If walking isn’t an option and you’re not able to make the most of public transport or ride-sharing, at least consider how you drive. Avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration, this has been found to reduce emissions by up to 40%!
While you’re at it, keep up with your car services so your car isn’t working harder than it needs to. Maintenance avoids easy fixes, like your car having to work harder to move from point A to point B when its tyres are low on pressure, wasting fuel and increasing your emissions.
We know audit can be a triggering word around tax time, but never fear, we’re just asking you to look around your house and identifying the energy suckers. Change incandescent light bulbs to their more efficient LED competitors, remember to switch your lights off, install a low-flow shower head, turn your heaters down a couple of degrees (or AC up) and if you’re feeling really motivated, sign up to get your electricity from a certified renewable energy provider.
All that talk of scales and electricity has brought us back to the fridge. We won’t preach the vegan way of life but reducing your intake of meat is something to consider if you’re serious about reducing your carbon footprint. 14.5% of all manmade global greenhouse gas has been attributed to the livestock industry. Beyond your choice of protein, choosing to shop local and in-season produce means your food has travelled and been stored less, lowering its impact. Buy food in bulk where you can to limit the packaging it comes in but be mindful of food waste. Try to plan your meals so you don’t need to chuck so much out.
You know we couldn’t skip out on talking about good dirt. Food and organic waste in landfills generates one of the more potent greenhouse gases, methane. Having a compost bin to put them in means your food waste is put to good use instead, not only with reduced methane emissions, but by creating an end product that reduces or eliminates the need for chemical fertilisers. Did we have you at good dirt?
Do whatever you want with your stuff, just keep it out of the greenhouse-gas-producing, planet earth nemesis; landfill. Over-consumption is an issue in itself, so buying less means less carbon emissions needed to meet our purchasing ‘needs’. However, for the stuff you already own, it’s important to take the time to sell or donate mindfully, rather than simply throwing out clothes or items you’re done with. Having to repurpose that purple Hawaiian shirt or find someone to adopt those faux leather pants you never wore might just make you think twice before you buy something new.
Ha ha, you know we couldn’t leave this little bonus tip one out. Find out about our commitment to lowering carbon emissions and why recycling your soil should be a no-brainer, right here.
