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.

2

Recycle regularly.

  1. Memorize what can and can’t be recycled around your home. Paper, tin cans, and steel typically can be recycled, as can many plastics.[4] Check the bottom of your plastic containers for the triangular recycling symbol with a number in the center. Then, hop on your state or region’s website and see which numbers are recyclable in your area.[5]
    • Feel free to send any broken electronics to your local electronics store. If your electronics are still in good condition, give them a new home.
    • Don’t put regular waste in your recycling bin, like garden hoses, syringes, or broken glass. Instead, toss these items in the trash.
    • Ask your kids to help, too! Let them know what can get tossed in the trash and what can go in the recycling bin.[6]
4

Shut off your lights and electronics.

  1. Turning off unneeded electricity is an easy, helpful way to lower your carbon footprint. Before you leave your home, switch off any lights and unnecessary appliances.[9] While you’re at it, turn off any other electronics, like TVs and computers.[10]
    • Power strips and surge protectors are a handy way to shut off multiple electronics at once.
    • You could also unplug your electronics completely when you aren’t using them.
    • If you have kids at home, encourage them to unplug their video game consoles and other electronics once they’re done using them.[11]
11

Get less at the grocery store.

  1. Only buy what you need when you go food shopping. Plan ahead for the coming days and weeks, so you have a rough idea of how much food you’ll need. Then, check your refrigerator to see which ingredients you already have on hand, so you don’t buy something extra by mistake. Reducing your food waste is a great way to lower your carbon footprint overall—plus, you’ll save money in the process![21]
    • Don’t throw out your extra ingredients if you end up buying too much. Instead, freeze them for a later meal.
    • In the United States, the average household actually wastes about 40% of their food.
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14

Drive your car less.

  1. Biking, walking, and using public transit are great alternatives to driving. Unfortunately, cars are responsible for a lot of greenhouse emissions. If you can, look for ways you can travel on foot or by bike.[25] Grabbing a ride on a train or even carpooling with friends are other great ways to reduce your carbon footprint.[26]
    • If you’re on the market for a new car, consider switching to a hybrid or electric vehicle. If you live in the US, look for “SmartWay” vehicles, which are endorsed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).[27]
18

Contact your government representative.

  1. Invite your kids to design a postcard, drawing, or letter. Explain the basics of climate change to your children, and what the government can do to help. Then, let your kids unleash their creativity through postcards, sketches, and handwritten notes, where they can ask the government to address climate change in the community. Mail everything to your local mayor or government representative. Even if you don’t hear back, remind your kiddos that they’re making a difference![31]
    • You could invite your kids to draw a picture of the Earth, or sketch pictures of nature and wildlife.

Expert Q&A

  • Question
    How can I reduce my reliance on driving?
    Kathryn Kellogg
    Kathryn Kellogg
    Sustainability Specialist
    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.
    Kathryn Kellogg
    Sustainability Specialist
    Expert Answer
    If 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.
  • Question
    What are the effects of global warming?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    A 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.
  • Question
    How can greenhouse gas emissons be reduced from factories?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    We can reduce the amount of CO2 emissions by reducing fossil fuel combustion and implementing energy efficiency mechanisms, energy conservation methods, carbon capture and sequestration.
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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⧽
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  1. https://www.nps.gov/pore/learn/nature/climatechange_action_home.htm
  2. https://climatekids.nasa.gov/how-to-help/
  3. Kathryn Kellogg. Sustainability Specialist. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
  4. https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2018/12/27/35-ways-reduce-carbon-footprint/
  5. https://www.nps.gov/pore/learn/nature/climatechange_action_home.htm
  6. https://www.forbes.com/sites/houzz/2014/06/02/how-to-choose-the-right-solar-lights/
  7. https://www.nps.gov/pore/learn/nature/climatechange_action_home.htm
  8. https://njclimateresourcecenter.rutgers.edu/climate_change_101/how-to-reduce-your-greenhouse-gas-emissions/
  9. https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2018/12/27/35-ways-reduce-carbon-footprint/
  10. Kathryn Kellogg. Sustainability Specialist. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
  11. https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2018/12/27/35-ways-reduce-carbon-footprint/
  12. https://www.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint
  13. https://www.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint
  14. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/what-pescatarian-diet
  15. https://www.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint
  16. Kathryn Kellogg. Sustainability Specialist. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.
  17. https://www.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint
  18. https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/find-smartway-vehicle
  19. https://www.c2es.org/content/reducing-your-transportation-footprint/
  20. https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2018/12/27/35-ways-reduce-carbon-footprint/
  21. https://www.nps.gov/pore/learn/nature/climatechange_action_home.htm
  22. https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/nature/save-the-earth/article/13-ways-to-save-the-earth-from-climate-change
  23. https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2018/12/27/35-ways-reduce-carbon-footprint/
  24. https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2018/12/27/35-ways-reduce-carbon-footprint/
  25. https://njclimateresourcecenter.rutgers.edu/climate_change_101/how-to-reduce-your-greenhouse-gas-emissions/
  26. https://www.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint
  27. http://www.eastgwillimbury.ca/Services/Environment/Ways_to_Reduce_Greenhouse_Gases.htm?PageMode=Print
  28. https://www.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint

About This Article

Kathryn Kellogg
Co-authored by:
Sustainability Specialist
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. This article has been viewed 913,294 times.
3 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 195
Updated: September 18, 2021
Views: 913,294
Article SummaryX

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!

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