The 37 Easiest Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint (Animated Graphics)
There are many ways in which individuals can contribute to climate change, and the animated graphic below shows that they don’t have to spend a lot of time or effort. to know more information, read article Accompanying this animated graphic.
Plain text transcripts are available below the graphics.
Plain text record:
Addressing climate change will require major changes across our society.Although we
cannot directly control what legislation Congress passes that makes individuals
Choices that help the planet feel empowered and encourage others to take
actions that lead to broader cultural and social shifts.
There are plenty of ways individuals can help — like insulating your house, installing solar panels, and planting trees — but here are the easiest and easiest
Changes you can make. They show that making a difference doesn’t have to cost a lot of time or money.
food
• Compost your food waste, or find a drop-off site.
• Eat less meat and more fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes.
• Reduce food waste through meal planning and freezing leftovers.
• Buy in bulk and use reusable containers whenever possible.
• Choose seasonal organic and local foods.
clothing
• Wash clothes in cold water.
• Buy vintage or recycled clothing.
• Don’t buy fast fashion.
Shopping
• Support environmentally responsible companies.
• Buy used or recycled items whenever possible.
• Choose a laptop over a desktop when buying a new computer.
• Find more energy efficient ENERGY STAR products.
• Buy less.
• Bring a reusable bag.
• Avoid overpackaging.
Family
• Use fans instead of air conditioners whenever possible.
• Turn off lights and unplug equipment when not in use.
• Sign up to get electricity from clean energy.
• Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs.
• Turn the thermostat down in winter and up in summer.
• Install low-flow showerheads to reduce hot water usage.
• Shorten your shower time.
• Turn water heater temperature down to 120°F.
• Conduct energy audits to identify ways to improve energy efficiency.
transportation
• Avoid flying as much as possible. On short trips, driving may emit fewer greenhouse gases.
• Direct flight. Landing and takeoff use more fuel.
• Choose Economy Class to save more fuel.
• Offset the carbon emissions of your travels.
• Drive as little as possible. Walk, take public transportation, carpool, carpool, or bike.
• Incorporate errands to reduce driving.
• Use cruise control to save gas.
• Avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration, which waste gas.
• Avoid traffic jams with apps like Waze.
• Use less air conditioning while driving.
• Take care of your car to improve fuel efficiency.
• If you’re buying a new car, consider buying a hybrid or electric vehicle.
Actively participate in politics
• Vote and join community groups driving change at the local, state and federal levels. The most effective solutions to climate change require government action.
