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Are you worried about your impact on the environment? As you juggle work, family, and personal time, it can be hard to keep track of your carbon footprint, or how many greenhouse gas emissions you typically release into the environment. Don’t worry. We’ve put together a list of some easy, helpful ways you can reduce these emissions, while possibly saving some money in the process.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can I reduce my reliance on driving?Kathryn KelloggKathryn Kellogg is the founder of goingzerowaste.com, a lifestyle website dedicated to breaking eco-friendly living down into a simple step-by-step process with lots of positivity and love. She's the author of 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste and spokesperson for plastic-free living for National Geographic.
Sustainability SpecialistIf you live in a walkable area, implement the 30-minute rule. If it's an under 30 minute walk, walk to your destination instead of driving. Biking is another good alternative. If you must drive, try carpooling to reduce your impact. -
QuestionWhat are the effects of global warming?Community AnswerA rise in sea level, change in rainfall patterns, melting of ice caps and glaciers, flooding, animal extinction, spread of disease (malaria, etc.), bleaching of coral reefs, loss of plankton due to warming seas, etc.
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QuestionHow can greenhouse gas emissons be reduced from factories?Community AnswerWe can reduce the amount of CO2 emissions by reducing fossil fuel combustion and implementing energy efficiency mechanisms, energy conservation methods, carbon capture and sequestration.
Video
Reader Videos
Tips
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Vote for government officials who support green policies.[25]Thanks
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Bring reusable shopping bags with you whenever you head to the store.[26]Thanks
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Consider switching your home to a renewable energy source, like solar or wind energy.[27]Thanks
Warnings
- Don’t set your refrigerator or freezer lower than you need to. The United States Department of Energy suggests leaving your refrigerator between 35 and 38 °F (2 and 3 °C), and your freezer around 0 °F (−18 °C).Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/home-energy-assessments
- ↑ https://njclimateresourcecenter.rutgers.edu/climate_change_101/how-to-reduce-your-greenhouse-gas-emissions/
- ↑ Kathryn Kellogg. Sustainability Specialist. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
- ↑ https://climatekids.nasa.gov/how-to-help/
- ↑ Kathryn Kellogg. Sustainability Specialist. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
- ↑ https://njclimateresourcecenter.rutgers.edu/climate_change_101/how-to-reduce-your-greenhouse-gas-emissions/
- ↑ https://www.nps.gov/pore/learn/nature/climatechange_action_home.htm
- ↑ https://climatekids.nasa.gov/how-to-help/
- ↑ Kathryn Kellogg. Sustainability Specialist. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
- ↑ https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2018/12/27/35-ways-reduce-carbon-footprint/
- ↑ https://www.nps.gov/pore/learn/nature/climatechange_action_home.htm
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/houzz/2014/06/02/how-to-choose-the-right-solar-lights/
- ↑ https://www.nps.gov/pore/learn/nature/climatechange_action_home.htm
- ↑ https://njclimateresourcecenter.rutgers.edu/climate_change_101/how-to-reduce-your-greenhouse-gas-emissions/
- ↑ https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2018/12/27/35-ways-reduce-carbon-footprint/
- ↑ Kathryn Kellogg. Sustainability Specialist. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
- ↑ https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2018/12/27/35-ways-reduce-carbon-footprint/
- ↑ https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/what-pescatarian-diet
- ↑ Kathryn Kellogg. Sustainability Specialist. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/find-smartway-vehicle
- ↑ https://www.c2es.org/content/reducing-your-transportation-footprint/
- ↑ https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2018/12/27/35-ways-reduce-carbon-footprint/
- ↑ https://www.nps.gov/pore/learn/nature/climatechange_action_home.htm
- ↑ https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/nature/save-the-earth/article/13-ways-to-save-the-earth-from-climate-change
- ↑ https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2018/12/27/35-ways-reduce-carbon-footprint/
- ↑ https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2018/12/27/35-ways-reduce-carbon-footprint/
- ↑ https://njclimateresourcecenter.rutgers.edu/climate_change_101/how-to-reduce-your-greenhouse-gas-emissions/
- ↑ https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2015/03/17/power-one-tree-very-air-we-breathe
About This Article
Reader Success Stories
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"I found out the importance of reducing our greenhouse gas emission, I can't wait to inform and teach my family and friends about ways they can also help! I will also participate in the campaign Meatless Monday and help the environment. Thank you, wikiHow, for opening my eyes and informing me about what we need to do. I am so inspired and motivated to improve my lifestyle!"..." more