What Can Humans Do to Reduce the Environmental Footprint?

Many facilities are deliberately implementing new ways to go green by adopting sustainable practices, reducing waste, and enhancing efficiency. Climate change is real, but it can be tackled. Here are practical and actionable steps humans can take to reduce their carbon footprint.

Drive Less, Bike More

The exhaust from cars accounts for a big chunk of all air pollution. The toxins they release are harmful to the health when breathed into the lungs. Biking is one way to reduce carbon footprint and is more encouraged than driving because muscle power has no negative impact on the environment. Alternatively, you may use public transportation, which significantly minimizes the exhaust filling in the air at once.

Conserve Water and Protect the Waterways

When brushing the teeth, ensure you shut off the water when lathering up and only open it when rinsing the mouth out. Take shorter showers to conserve water. Also, avoid using body soaps containing toxins because it ends up polluting the water supply once it goes down the drain—the purpose of using an eco-friendly soap. Settle for the re-usable items and not the disposable items as they help save water in the long run.

Use Sustainable and Clean Energy

Most of the world’s energy is derived from fossil fuels which comprise oil, natural gas, and coal. They are used to run cars, heat homes, and provide electricity. Fuels emit toxins when heated, resulting in adverse effects on the environment. This reliance on fuels can be stopped by switching to sustainable energy such as solar and wind, water, and geothermal power.

Eat Seasonally and Locally

Eating locally produced food will go a long way in reducing the carbon footprint. You should try to eat more plant-based foods that are good for the human body and the planet. No dangerous fumes are emitted into the air by vehicles when transporting food from a far away land by supporting local farmers. Find about the seasonal foods available from the local farmers.

Use The 5Rs

It would be best to practice the 5Rs of zero waste that comprise refuse, reduce, reuse, rot and recycle.

• Refuse: opt for reusables, no single-use plastics, and products

• Reduce: Buy less, be mindful of the things you need

• Reuse: avoid throwing things into the landfill, keep items in excellent condition and choose to repair when it breaks

• Rot: Create a compost system for all food scraps

• Recycle: Try to recycle any paper, plastic, or metal that you get if reusing, refusing, or reducing is not possible.