The 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) just happened in Paris, France. Over the past few weeks, world leaders talked about the steps needed to prevent the global temperature from rising 2°C (3.6°F) as soon as possible. The solutions that were discussed will hopefully end unsustainable practices that produce large-scale greenhouse gas emissions. If this goal is obtained, it will help stop the catastrophic rising sea levels and other effects of climate change before they destroy the world, and the human species, as we know it.
The biggest issue is the massive emissions of gases produced by factories and large industries. This issue is being addressed by the world leaders and many philanthropists, like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg. However, we also all produce our own carbon footprint every day. If enough people attempt to reduce their impact, then this could also help make a difference.
Here are 21 ways for you to reduce your personal carbon footprint (and waste less, in general) in honor of COP21:
1. Turn off the lights
Do you really need the lights on in a room that you aren't using, or in one that is lit with natural light? This will also save you money on your electricity bill!
2. Lower your heat
Throw on a blanket or sweatshirt rather than turning up your thermostat. Just like turning off the lights, this will save you money!
3. Eat less meat and animal products
Save lives and cut down on the emissions that go into producing your meat. Bonus points if you become a vegetarian or vegan!
4. Carpool when possible
Car rides are more fun with friends, right? Save on gas by cutting down on how much you use while riding together.
5. Unplug chargers and appliances
Even if you aren't charging something or using an appliance, they still use energy and create greenhouse gases. Unplug when you are done using them!
6. Flush every other time you pee
Flushing every single time you use the toilet wastes water and energy. Flushing every other time you pee can cut down on that!
7. Get a reusable water bottle
The energy costs that go into harvesting materials and producing one-use bottles are outrageous. Using a cool, customized reusable bottle will create less emissions.
8. Wash your clothes on the bright cycle
Using warm water when washing clothes uses more energy. Wash laundry on the bright cycle to use cold water, which is just as effective as warm.
9. Take shorter showers
Singing in the shower can be a good time. But cutting down on shower time uses less energy and maintains accessible and clean drinking water, which is also cool!
10. Recycle
Packaging materials for the things we buy often involve extensive amounts of energy to produce. Recycling them reduces the initial energy usage used to make them.
11. Reduce how much you use
Using less materials will eliminate the emissions that go into producing and transporting those things.
12. Buy secondhand clothing
Buying clothes from secondhand stores is more ethical for workers, as well as the environment, because there's no energy needed for production. It also helps you channel your inner hipster!
13. Get a hybrid vehicle
Who doesn't want a new car? There's no better reason than saving the planet to buy yourself something nice, like an energy-efficient vehicle.
14. Plant a tree
Plants convert the CO2 in the air into O2, so plant a garden or tree to offset your carbon output. It can be therapeutic, too!
15. Take public transportation
People watching can be fun! Knowing that the smelly guy sitting next to you is also cutting down his carbon footprint is also fun!
16. Invest in renewable energy
Using sources like solar power can save you money, and won't produce carbon emissions. Advocating for clean energy research and solutions is also great.
17. Utilize natural light
Opening curtains during the day allows heat and light to enter your house. Closing them at night helps to keep the heat in, as well. Curtains can be both decorative and functional!
18. Change to digital subscriptions
Do you even read those magazines that keep showing up in your mail? Even if you do, you can probably get the same information from an online source.
19. Turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth
What's that water doing as it runs straight down the drain? That's right, absolutely nothing, except for wasting energy and resources.
20. Get a bike
Riding a bike when possible can help you live a more healthy lifestyle, and it also requires no fuel source. Get in shape and save on gas!
21. Figure out your current carbon footprint
We all have starting points. Find out the amount of carbon emissions you produce each year, and see what you should cut down on. Making any changes in your lifestyle really can help!
