Carbon footprint is characterized as the aggregated sum of greenhouse gasses that are created with regards to supporting human exercise. It incorporates carbon dioxide which is the gas most normally radiated by people — and others, including methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases causing global warming. In this essay, I present my thoughts on how I will try to reduce my ‘carbon footprint’ after reading the article by Livia Albeck-Ripka in the New York Times. I will organize my essay to include ideas on reducing your carbon footprints (on the road, in the sky, on your plate, in your home, what you buy and what you do) and finally I will conclude my essay with what improvements I plan to include in the future.
On the road
Reducing carbon footprints on roads depends on how much individuals spend on traveling and how often they travel. Transportation is one of the largest sources of carbon emission. Many individuals could consider public transportation (train and bus), riding a bike, or even carpooling. If one doesn’t like the consideration list able some tips that were stated in the article were: “Go easy the gas and brakes, regularly service your car, check your tires, less air conditioning and intensive city driving, use cruise control on long drives, don’t weigh your car down, and carpooling” (Albeck-Ripka). Apps like Uber and Lyft could also possible reduce emission on the road. I actually use Uber often to run a few errands. Uber and Lyft are known as the two biggest transportation services. Uber is in hundreds of countries but Lyft is only in the United States. Uber and Lyft both offer the pool service, this is week the driver can pick up other rides that are going the same route as you. Carbon emission doesn’t just come from vehicles on the road, it also comes from vehicles in the sky.
In the sky
As stated above transportation is one of the largest sources of carbon emissions, this includes airplanes also. Flying less could be one way to reduce your carbon footprint. “According to some estimates, about 20,000 planes are in use around the world, serving three billion passengers annually”( SCHLOSSBERG). Imagine all of that pollution going in air, as years go by more planes will be in service. If you have no option but to fly an alternative is to make up for the emissions by donating money to reasonable projects.
On your plate
Food is another one of the largest carbon footprint. Changing the nourishments that you eat can bigly affect your carbon impression. Also, reduce contamination, preserve the environment and moderate global warming. Cutting down on meat is a good choice for the environment. I personally try not to eat red meat because it is really unhealthy for the body. Red meat can be harmful to the environment because the production of red meat utilizes a considerable measure of sustain, water and land. Cows actually give off methane emissions which is a harmful greenhouse gas. The best option for the environment is to go vegan or pescetarian. I have changed my diet where I eat less red meat and eat more seafood and vegetables. “Americans waste around 40 percent of the food they buy.”, this I a true statement. I can actually relate to this statement because there has been plenty of occasions where I didn’t eat of the food that I brought and I had to throw it out. Some of the tips listed in the article were: take stock, be wary of bulk, plan, get creative, freeze, and doggie bag. Things that you eat on could also affect the environment. Washing dish rather than buying disposable items and using climate-friendly items would be the best options.
In your home
Changes in your home could have a positive impact on the environment. “In the average American home, 25 percent of energy is used to heat spaces, 13 percent is used to heat water, 11 percent is used for cooling and the remainder is spent on appliances, according to estimates from the Natural Resources Defense Council” (Albeck-Ripka). Some of the thing that you can do in your home are: turning down the heat, turning down water heater, turn off light and appliances, buy a laptop rather than desktop, and many more we listed in the article. I personally leave the temperature at 70 degrees or even off. If I’m using lights or when I leave out, I turn the lights off. Also, I use a laptop rather than a desktop. “Americans generate about roughly 258 million tons of trash a year, 169 million tons of which ends up in landfills and incinerators, according to a 2014 report from the E.P.A” (Albeck-Ripka). Recycling is a way to have a positive impact on the world. When you consider recycling, you should consider the entire thought; lessen, reuse and reuse. Consider it; in the event that you needn’t bother with it, don’t get it. In the event that you need to get it, get something that can be utilized again and on the off chance that you get something that should be reused by the experts, place it in the reuse canister. Things that can be recycled are plastics, paper, glass, cardboard, looses plastic bags, and more. Energy saving s critical in the event that we are to diminish the future impacts of global warming. You can make your home energy efficient. The most critical approach to save energy will be to introduce a programmable indoor regulator to bring down service bills and it will enable you to deal with your warming and cooling frameworks efficiently. Check for spills around entryways and windows where conceivable air can go through and check if your AC is running appropriately. A cool roof could possibly be install, a reflective material that redirects the sun away from your house. Close blinds when it’s hot to hinder the daylight and the UV beams and open them when it’s pleasant and cool outside.
What you buy
Purchasing less is the initial step. Past that, there are basic approaches to decrease the effect from your buys. As clothing prices decrease, environmental cost increase. Some of the common clothing materials are lyoell, linen, cotton, recycled polyester. organic cotton, bamboo, spandex, and nylon (Darell). The production of these material contribute to carbon footprint and even washing them. I like to go to thrift shopping and buying vintage clothing so I will continue to do this to reduce my carbon footprint. I will also consider donating some of the old clothes that are just sitting around collecting dust. When I go shopping sometimes I do use reusable bags so I also continue doing so.
What you do
Notwithstanding changing your everyday habits, practicing your rights as a subject is a standout amongst the most noteworthy things you can do to help the planet. You have to understand the importance of carbon footprints, how it effects the world, and what you do daily that has a impact on the world. When voting, you have to take climate change in consideration.
Conclusion
In this essay, I presented my thoughts on how I would reduce my carbon footprint. After reading the article by Livia Albeck-Ripka in New York Times, I decided to make changes in my life. Some major areas where I introduced changes include on the road, on my plate, and what I buy. After reading this article and understanding the importance of carbon footprint, I have actually took some of these tips in consideration and plan to use them in the future.