9 Best Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint In Full Detail
Many people desperately need to reduce their impact on Earth due to the devastating effects of climate change and resource depletion.
One strategy is to reduce your carbon footprint, which is a measure of your total greenhouse gas emissions, not just from driving or using electricity, but also lifestyle choices such as the clothes you wear and Even more than the food you eat.
Although there are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint, making dietary changes is a good start. In fact, numerous studies suggest that changing the Western diet to a more sustainable diet could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% and water consumption by 50%.
Here are 9 easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint through diet and lifestyle choices.
Stop Wasting Food
Food waste is one of the major sources of greenhouse gas emissions. This is because waste food dissolves in landfills and emits methane, a very strong greenhouse gas. Over a period of 100 years, methane has been estimated to have a 34-fold greater effect on global warming than carbon dioxide.
It is now estimated that each person on Earth loses an average of 428 to 858 pounds (194 to 389 kg) of food each year. Reducing food waste is one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Planning your meals, storing leftovers, and buying only what you need goes a long way toward saving food.
Ditch The Plastic
The use of less plastic is an important part of the transition to a sustainable lifestyle. Plastic film, plastic bags, and plastic storage containers are commonly used by consumers and the food industry for packing, shipping, storing, and transporting food.
However, disposable plastics are one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
Here are some tips on using less plastic:
- When shopping for fresh produce, forget about plastic bags and plastic wrap.
- Bring your grocery bag to the store.
- Drink from a refillable water bottle and do not buy bottled water.
- Store food in glass jars.
- Buy low-calorie food, as it is usually packaged in styrofoam or plastic.
Eat Less Meat
Research shows that reducing meat consumption is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint. A study of 16,800 Americans found that the foods that emitted the most greenhouse gases were beef, veal, pork and other rumors. Meanwhile, even the lowest greenhouse gas emissions have the least amount of meat.
Research from around the world supports this conclusion. This is because emissions from livestock, especially beef and dairy cattle, account for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
You can limit your meat serving to one serving a day, cut meat one day a week, or try a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.
Try Plant-Based Protein
Eating more plant-based protein can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In one study, people with the lowest emissions of greenhouse gases had the highest amounts of plant protein, including beans, nuts and seeds, and the lowest amounts of animal protein.
However, animal protein should not be completely excluded from your diet. A study of 55,504 people found that those who ate moderate amounts of meat daily (1.8 to 3.5 ounces (50 to 100 grams)) had significantly lower carbon footprint than those who ate 3.5 per day. Eat more than an ounce (100 grams). .
For reference, a serving of meat is approximately 3 ounces (85 grams). If you regularly eat more than that amount every day, try to go for more plant-based proteins such as beans, tofu, nuts and seeds.
Reduce Milk Consumption
Reducing consumption of dairy products, including milk and cheese, is another way to reduce your carbon footprint. A study of 2,101 Dutch adults found that dairy products are the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, after meat alone.
Other studies have concluded that dairy farming is one of the major drivers of climate change. Dairy cows and their fertilizers emit greenhouse gases such as methane, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and ammonia.
In fact, since cheese requires a lot of milk to produce, it has to do with large emissions of greenhouse gases from animal products such as pork, eggs and poultry. For starters, try to eat less cheese and replace cow’s milk with plant-based alternatives such as almond or soy milk.
Eat High-Fiber Foods
Eating high-fiber foods not only improves your health but can also reduce your carbon footprint. A study of 16,800 Americans found that the lowest greenhouse gas emissions were high in fiber-rich plant foods and low in saturated fat and sodium. These foods can help you fill your stomach by limiting the amount of food that is naturally rich in carbohydrates.
In addition, adding more fiber to your diet can improve digestive health, keep intestinal bacteria in balance, promote weight loss and protect against diseases such as heart disease, colorectal cancer and diabetes.
Grow Your Own Food
Growing your own produce in your community garden or backyard is associated with many benefits, including stress reduction, better nutrition, and better emotional well-being. Working on a piece of land, no matter how small, can also reduce your carbon footprint.
This is because growing fruits and vegetables reduces the dependence on the use of plastic packaging and long-distance transportation. Implementing organic farming methods, recycling rainwater and composting can further reduce environmental impact.
Don’t Eat Too Many Calories
Excessive calorie intake by your body can be helpful in weight gain and related diseases. In addition, it is associated with higher emissions of greenhouse gases. A study of 3,818 Dutch people found that people who emitted more greenhouse gases ate more calories than those who drank less than those who ate less greenhouse gases.
Similarly, a study of 16,800 Americans found that those with the highest greenhouse gas emissions consumed 2.5 times more calories than those with the lowest emissions. Note that this only applies to people who eat more, not to people who eat enough calories to maintain a healthy weight.
Calorie requirement depends on your height, age and activity level. If you are not sure if you are consuming too many calories, consult a nutritionist or healthcare professional. Some calorie reduction options include high calorie, low nutritional foods such as sweets, sodas, fast food, and baked goods.
Buy Local Food
Helping local farmers is the best way to reduce your carbon footprint. Shopping locally reduces your dependence on long-distance food and can increase your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, which helps eliminate your carbon footprint.
Seasonal food and helping organic food producers are additional ways to reduce your environmental impact. This is because out-of-season food is usually imported or requires more energy to grow due to the need for warmer greenhouses.
In addition, replacing locally produced sustainable animal products such as eggs, poultry and dairy products can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. You can also get more compliments for unique products produced in your area.
Bottom Line
Revolutionizing your diet is the best way to reduce your carbon footprint, which can also improve your health. By making simple changes, such as eating less animal products, using less plastic, eating more fresh produce, and reducing food waste, you can significantly reduce your personal greenhouse gas emissions.
Keep in mind that a seemingly small effort can make a big difference. You can also take your neighbors and friends on a trip.