This article was co-authored by Kathryn Kellogg and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Kathryn 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.
There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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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.[1] 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.
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).[37]⧼thumbs_response⧽
References
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint
- ↑ http://www.eastgwillimbury.ca/Services/Environment/Ways_to_Reduce_Greenhouse_Gases.htm?PageMode=Print
- ↑ https://njclimateresourcecenter.rutgers.edu/climate_change_101/how-to-reduce-your-greenhouse-gas-emissions/
- ↑ Kathryn Kellogg. Sustainability Specialist. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint
- ↑ 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.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint
- ↑ 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.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint
- ↑ https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/what-pescatarian-diet
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint
- ↑ Kathryn Kellogg. Sustainability Specialist. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint
- ↑ 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.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint
- ↑ http://www.eastgwillimbury.ca/Services/Environment/Ways_to_Reduce_Greenhouse_Gases.htm?PageMode=Print
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint
About This Article
You can reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by making some simple lifestyle changes. Start by recycling if you're not already. Keep your recyclables, like plastic and paper, separate from your regular trash. Arrange to have your recycling picked up separately from your trash, or take it to a recycling plant near you whenever your bin fills up. To conserve energy, you can replace any incandescent light bulbs in your home with compact fluorescent bulbs, as they're more energy efficient. Next time you're shopping for a new appliance, like a fridge or dishwasher, look for one that's energy efficient to help lower your energy consumption. Keep the heat and air conditioning off as much as possible since that will save energy too. To cut back your gas emissions, try to drive less when you're on the go. Taking the bus or train or riding your bike are more efficient. Consider cutting back on how much meat you eat as well since the meat industry produces a lot of greenhouse gases. Finally, always take reusable bags whenever you go out shopping, which are much better for the environment than plastic bags. For more ways you can reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, like unplugging appliances and making food from scratch, keep reading!