9 efficient ways of reducing your carbon footprint

We’ve identified 9 easy ways that will enable you to directly and significantly reduce your personal carbon footprint:

• Change your lightbulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Use public transportation, walk, cycle, or carpool.   
• Use a laptop rather than a desktop, as they are a lot more energy efficient.  
• Skip bottled water and use a water filter.  
• Buy local, seasonal foods when possible. Always favor buying in local shops over shopping online.  
• Fly less - it is the most effective way to reduce your carbon footprint if you are a frequent flyer. Transport is the biggest source of carbon dioxide emissions for individuals living in the UK (43% of annual emissions). Medium distance flights produce about 1 metric ton of carbon dioxide per person (the average annual carbon emission for someone living in the UK is approximately 13 tons). Choose the train or car over air travel. Plan local holidays when you can.  
• Think before buying: buying clothes, electronics, toiletries, and home goods, all have a significant environmental impact. Think about what you really need and save some money!
• Calculate your own carbon footprint using the WWF Calculator to see where you could improve.
• Think about the waste you produce: recycle correctly, ditch non-recyclable plastic, and try to produce less waste overall.

Some of these elements are harder to tackle than others, but don’t panic, no one expects you to put all of these into practice overnight. However, aiming to improve our behavior, one step at a time, is the key.

It’s the little steps for both us and the environment, so don’t stress. If you are reading this article, you’re already on the right track!