5 Simple DIY Projects to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home

Personal responsibility seems to be taking preeminence in every walk of our lives. As time goes by, people are advised to change how they act in response to society’s change. The same case applies to reducing your carbon footprint. It’s time that everyone is held accountable for their contribution to climate change.

The constant reminder of our contribution to the carbon footprint is the first step to reducing your carbon footprint. Reducing carbon footprint will also save you time, money, energy, reduce pollution and enjoy a healthy environment. Of course, it is easier said than done, but everyone has to play a part to achieve this goal.

Read this guide to learn how to decrease your carbon footprint through simple, yet effective, DIY initiatives:

What is Carbon Footprint?

Carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases, mainly methane and carbon dioxide, released directly into the atmosphere causing global warming.

How To Calculate Carbon Footprint

It is essential to calculate your carbon footprint to keep track of it and reduce it. There are calculators available online which will help you figure out your carbon footprint. Some of the standard data you will be asked about is:

• The size of your home
• Your diet
• Mode of transport you use to run your daily business and for how long
• The type of energy you use in your home

They may not be accurate enough since you’re using estimates, but they will give you a general idea about your carbon footprint and how to improve on it.

Below are a few DIY projects you can take to reduce your carbon footprint effectively:

1. Recycle and Reuse to Reduce Waste Generation

Your home is the first place where you can exercise recycling and reuse to reduce your personal carbon footprint. If all of us can generate less amount of waste and recycle more, this will be a massive step towards saving money, resources and energy. Take note of the things that you use daily, which can be easily recycled.

Some of these include:

• Plastics
• Paper
• Glass
• Aluminum

You can also sell or donate some of the things you don’t need instead of wasting more of them in landfills. Other methods of recycling and reusing items in your home are:

• Using old clothes as cleaning rags
• Reusing your shopping bags instead of buying new ones
• Buying recycled clothing
• Reusing plastics

2. Reduce Home Energy Consumption

Even the smallest appliances can consume lots of energy. But don’t worry since there are simple but effective alternatives that you can use to reduce your home’s energy usage. These are:

• Unplugging appliances that you’re not using like AC, charger, etc.
• Switching off lights when you’re not using a room
• Using LED bulbs to save more energy
• Using temperature control appliances like programmable thermostats and fans
• Transition to solar energy

Try to use less energy in your home to reduce your carbon footprint. Talk to HVAC experts to advise you on energy efficiency measures to take for reducing HVAC energy consumption.

3. Check on Your Water Usage

Water is one of the resources that you should safeguard at all costs. Many households receive water through pumping systems which consume a lot of energy. However, you can take simple DIY steps to save more water to prevent leakage into the environment. These include:

• Rainwater harvesting
• Repairing faulty water leaks
• Turning off the water when brushing or cleaning dishes
• Reducing your bathing time

4. Use Alternative Transportation Methods

Are the errands that you need to run near your home? If so, consider using a bike or take a walk instead. By doing this, you will not only cut on the amount of carbon emissions but also keep yourself healthy and fit. Also, if you need to use a car, you can plan to complete all your errands in a single day instead of several days.

Also, if you have to use air travel, settle for the economy class other than first class. It is both cost-effective and has a lower carbon footprint on the environment.

5. Speak Up

One method of passing information is by speaking up. The more this information reaches the masses, the easier it will be to minimize carbon footprint. With the widespread availability of the internet and social media, this is not too hard to achieve. You will be able to reach your family, friends, co-workers, etc. You can also participate in environmental volunteer programs to set an example for the rest. Words without action won’t have any impact.

Bottom Line

Everyone has a personal responsibility to reduce his or her carbon footprint. All you need to do is follow the above tips to create a better and sustainable environment for yourself and your future generations.