Top Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home

Regardless of your thoughts on what’s happening to the climate, sustainability saves money for you and your community. These top ways to reduce your carbon footprint at home can make your house healthier and reduce your community’s waste disposal costs.

Minimize Waste

Reducing the amount of trash you generate has a ripple effect. You will buy less, which saves you money, and your local landfill will have less enduring garbage to manage. Instead of tossing items in the garbage, think about whether they can still serve some purpose. Clothing and other textiles can be recycled, furniture can be donated, and plastic storage bags can be cleaned and reused.

Stop buying single-use plastic, and be aware of the packaging on items you purchase. Support companies that present their products in recyclable or reusable containers.

Consume Less Energy

Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs where you can, and invest in energy-efficient appliances. Find out how your utility company generates electricity, and consider joining a plan that provides power from verifiably clean sources.

Even restaurants devoted to gas ranges have started to see the value of electric induction ranges, and metalworking shops appreciate the sustainability of electric metal fabrication machinery. Switching to energy-efficient electric appliances, from stoves to tankless water heaters, remove the fumes from gas appliances in your home.

It’s been shown that gas ranges continue to emit fumes even when they are off. And each time a gas appliance ignites, it sends out a little burst of indoor air pollutants that can be harmful to people and pets. If you continue to use a gas stove, make sure you have adequate ventilation in your kitchen.

Conserve Water

To save water, take shorter showers and fix drippy faucets—you’d be amazed at how many gallons of water you waste by allowing a faucet to run or a slow leak to drip. Additionally, make sure you only do laundry with a full load, and use cold water to wash your clothes.

Walk and Ride Your Bike More

Does a quick trip to the corner store really require you to drive? While new electric vehicles are out of reach for most people—whether that’s due to price or scarcity—you can spend less on gas by tuning up your bike and adding a set of cargo saddlebags for running errands.

Grow Your Own

You can do the earth and your pocketbook a favor when you grow your own vegetables and herbs. The trip from your kitchen garden to your kitchen counter doesn’t require truck, train, or air transport, and your ingredients will be fresher. Plus, you’ll know exactly where your food comes from, and if you use organic growing practices, you’ll be confident your veggies aren’t contaminated with pesticides.

These are just a few simple ways to reduce your carbon footprint at home that will save you money and benefit your community and the environment simultaneously.