Carbon footprint is a term that measures the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are caused by the activities of an individual, a company, or a country. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming and climate change. According to the latest report by the Global Carbon Project, global carbon emissions reached a new high of over 36.8 billion tonnes of CO2 in 2022, and are expected to increase by 1% in 2024. This means that we are far from limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5°C, as agreed in the Paris Agreement.

Reducing your carbon footprint is not only good for the environment, but also for your health, your wallet, and your well-being. There are many simple and effective ways to cut down your emissions and save money at the same time. Here are some tips to help you reduce your carbon footprint in 2024:

Switch to renewable energy sources

One of the biggest sources of carbon emissions is the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heating, and transportation. By switching to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, or biomass, you can reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and lower your emissions. You can also install energy-efficient appliances and devices, such as LED bulbs, smart thermostats, and power strips, to reduce your energy consumption and save money on your bills. If you live in an area where renewable energy is not easily accessible, you can look for green energy plans or certificates from your utility provider or a third-party supplier.

Choose sustainable transportation options

Another major source of carbon emissions is the transportation sector, which accounts for about 15% of global emissions. By choosing sustainable transportation options, such as walking, biking, public transit, carpooling, or electric vehicles, you can reduce your travel emissions and improve your health and fitness. You can also avoid unnecessary trips and plan your routes efficiently to save time and fuel. If you need to travel long distances, you can opt for trains or buses instead of planes, as they have lower emissions per passenger. You can also offset your travel emissions by supporting projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, such as tree planting, renewable energy, or carbon capture and storage.

• The average carbon footprint of a car is 4.6 tonnes of CO2 per year.
• The average carbon footprint of a plane is 0.11 kg of CO2 per passenger-kilometer.
• The average carbon footprint of a train is 0.04 kg of CO2 per passenger-kilometer.
• The average carbon footprint of a bike is 0 kg of CO2 per kilometer.

Adopt a low-carbon diet

The food system is responsible for about 25% of global emissions, mainly due to land use change, animal agriculture, food processing, packaging, transport, and waste. By adopting a low-carbon diet, you can reduce your food-related emissions and benefit your health and nutrition. A low-carbon diet involves eating more plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds, and less animal-based foods, such as meat, dairy, and eggs. You can also buy local, organic, and seasonal produce, avoid processed and packaged foods, and reduce your food waste by planning your meals, storing your food properly, and composting your scraps.

• The average carbon footprint of a vegan diet is 1.5 tonnes of CO2 per year.
• The average carbon footprint of a vegetarian diet is 1.7 tonnes of CO2 per year.
• The average carbon footprint of a meat-based diet is 3.3 tonnes of CO2 per year.
• The average carbon footprint of food waste is 0.8 tonnes of CO2 per year.

Buy less, reuse more

The production and consumption of goods and services also generate a lot of emissions, especially in the manufacturing, mining, and retail sectors. By buying less, reusing more, and choosing eco-friendly products, you can reduce your material footprint and save money. You can also support the circular economy, which aims to minimize waste and maximize the value of resources by designing, producing, and using products that can be repaired, reused, recycled, or biodegraded. You can also participate in the sharing economy, which allows you to access goods and services without owning them, such as renting, borrowing, swapping, or donating.

• The average carbon footprint of a smartphone is 79 kg of CO2.
• The average carbon footprint of a pair of jeans is 20 kg of CO2.
• The average carbon footprint of a book is 2.7 kg of CO2.
• The average carbon footprint of a reusable water bottle is 0.3 kg of CO2.

Educate yourself and others

The most important step to reduce your carbon footprint is to educate yourself and others about the causes and consequences of climate change, and the actions and solutions that can make a difference. You can learn more about the science, the policies, the technologies, and the innovations that are shaping the future of our planet. You can also join or support the movements, the organizations, the campaigns, and the initiatives that are working to raise awareness, influence decision-makers, and drive change. You can also share your knowledge, your experience, and your ideas with your family, your friends, your colleagues, and your community, and inspire them to join you in reducing your carbon footprint.

• The average carbon footprint of a Google search is 0.2 g of CO2.
• The average carbon footprint of a Netflix hour is 36 g of CO2.
• The average carbon footprint of a TED talk is 1.5 kg of CO2.
• The average carbon footprint of a climate protest is 2.3 kg of CO2.

Reducing your carbon footprint is not only a responsibility but also an opportunity. It is an opportunity to live a more sustainable, healthy, and fulfilling life, and to contribute to a more resilient, equitable, and prosperous world. By taking action today, you can make a positive impact for yourself, for others, and for the planet. Start now and make 2024 your year of low-carbon living.

Check out more articles!