With summer lasting almost the entirety of the year, the urgency to reduce carbon footprint has never been more pressing. Take India, for example. In some parts of the country, November 2024 recorded the hottest average temperatures in decades, and the absence of winter chill even in December and January is scary enough. Moreover, global temperatures could increase by up to 6°C by the century’s end. Imagine the environmental and social catastrophes then.
So what can we do to stop it? Well, we can all be a little mindful of our daily habits. How is that going to help? Making small changes in our everyday activities can reduce our carbon footprint, consequently minimizing global carbon emissions. Plus, we all know the proverb, “Little drops of water make the mighty ocean.” Similarly, our efforts to reduce individual carbon footprint can contribute to collective change.
So, let’s dive into actionable steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint—starting with understanding it.
Know Your Carbon Footprint
We can’t manage what we don’t measure. Of course, to reduce carbon footprint, we first need to know the amount of CO2 we emit through our activities. This includes everything from the food we eat to the transportation we use and even the clothes we wear. I, for one, emit 6.3 tonnes of CO2 every year. And the majority of this comes from unsustainable energy usage. Knowing this helps me put my reduction efforts in the right direction. I calculated my emissions using this footprint calculator. You can also use this calculator to find out your household carbon footprint in India.
Once you know your carbon emission and the primary sources, you can make tailored and effective changes in your daily activities to reduce carbon footprint.
Make Small Changes in Your Daily Life
We often think the fight against climate change is a job for governments and big corporations. While they play a crucial role, individual actions can collectively create massive change as majority of carbon emissions come from daily activities. Every time you turn on a light, drive a car, or toss out leftovers, you’re leaving a carbon mark on the planet. So, tiny tweaks in your everyday activities can help reduce this impact significantly.
1. Embrace Energy Efficiency
Energy production and usage is one of the major contributors to global GHG emissions. In fact, energy-related emissions from households account for over 12% of the total emissions. In India, majority of the household carbon footprint comes from electricity use. Even so, we cannot stop using energy to stay in our carbon budget, we can make small changes in our energy consumption to reduce carbon footprint.
- Switch to LEDs: LEDs consume 75% less energy than traditional bulbs. Replacing your traditional bulbs with LEDs is one-time change that can reduce your energy bills as well as carbon emission.
- Opt for Solar: Installing solar panels can cut your electricity bills and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Rural households, in particular, can benefit from government subsidies under the PM-KUSUM scheme. Moreover, both city dwellers and rural residents can get subsidy from Indian govt. to install rooftop solar panels.
- Unplug Devices: We all do this without realizing that standby power accounts for 10% of household energy use. Simply unplugging devices when not in use can save energy and reduce carbon footprint.
- Make Rooftop and Balcony Gardens: If you live in urban areas, including plants in your indoor spaces can help reduce heating, thus the need for air conditioners and fans, saving energy. Additionally, green roofs can also improve indoor air quality significantly.
2. Travel Light on the Planet
Transportation contributes to around 14% of global emissions, and personal vehicles are a significant culprit. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Public Transport & Carpools: I know it’s not always feasible to use public transport. But ditch cars and use public transport whenever you can. Switching to public transport can save 2.4 tons of CO2 annually. You can opt for metro trains, buses, or bike-sharing services.
- Cycle or Walk: Cycling is not only eco-friendly but also great for your health. You know that already! So, apply it. In urban India, 50% of trips are under 5 km—perfect for walking or cycling.
- Go Electric: Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction in India, with government incentives making them more affordable. If you’re a busy professional who can’t afford to walk, cycle, or even use public transport, get yourself an EV and reduce carbon footprint. Also, subscribe to carbon offset programs to neutralize your travel and lifestyle emissions.
3. Rethink Your Food Choices
About 26% of global GHG emissions comes from food production, with meat and dairy leading the pack. But I’m not asking you to go vegan. If you do, that’s great! All I am asking is
- Try a Plant-Based Day: Reducing meat consumption, even for a couple of days a week, can significantly lower your footprint. A vegetarian diet can cut emissions by 50% per person annually.
- Eat Local & Seasonal: Imported foods travel thousands of miles, adding to transport emissions. Choose local, seasonal produce instead.
- Minimize Food Waste: Nearly 40% of food produced in India is wasted, contributing to methane emissions in landfills. Plan meals, store food properly, and use technology to reduce food waste and consequently reduce your carbon footprint.
4. Wardrobe Detox to Reduce Carbon Footprint
The fashion industry, surprisingly, accounts for about 10% of global emissions, making it one of the most polluting sectors. Besides, we don’t really need as much clothes and shoes as we buy. Do we? So,
- Buy Less, Choose Better: Buy only what you need and invest in timeless, durable pieces, rather than fast fashion.
- Thrift & Swap: Second-hand shopping reduces demand for new clothing production and reduces textile waste by increasing the lifespan of clothes and shoes.
- Care for Clothes: Wash clothes in cold water, air dry them, and repair instead of discarding. Washing clothes in cold water and line-drying helps reduce energy use, which is one of the great ways to reduce carbon emissions.
- Support Sustainable Brands: Buy from brands that use eco-friendly material and are mindful of their environmental and social footprint.
5. Waste Less, Compost More
When we create waste, majority of it ends up in landfills. The dump in landfills emit methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than CO2. Here’s how to reduce waste:
- Compost Organic Waste: Turn kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost for plants.
- Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Carry reusable bags, bottles, and containers when stepping out. Try to buy products with less plastic packaging.
- Recycle Smartly: Segregate waste and ensure recyclable materials like glass and paper don’t end up in landfills.
6. Reduce Carbon Footprint with Technology
Green technologies are making waves in the global sustainability journey. Make them your ally in your green journey too:
- Smart Thermostats: These can reduce heating and cooling emissions by up to 10%.
- Energy-Efficient Appliances: Look for appliances with a high star rating to make sure they consume less energy. Also, install devices like smart plugs to monitor and control energy consumption and reduce carbon footprint.
- Carbon Tracking Apps: Use tools like JouleBug and India-based Carbon Watch to help you monitor and reduce your carbon impact in real time.
7. Put in Community Efforts
Individual actions are impactful, but collective efforts create ripples of change. For example, community-based rainwater harvesting in Kerala is saving millions of water. This helps reduce the energy used in water treatment, making it one of the many ways to reduce carbon emission. So, you too can,
- Join Local Initiatives: Participate in tree-planting drives or clean-up campaigns.
- Educate Others: Spread awareness about sustainable practices within your community.
- Advocate for Policy Change: Support policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy.
The Way Forward
As we found out with this blog, reducing your carbon footprint doesn’t require drastic sacrifices. It’s about adopting mindful habits that collectively lead to meaningful change. Start small, stay consistent, and inspire others to join the cause.
Ready to take your first step? Share this guide with friends and family, and let’s create a greener tomorrow together!
