Like several other terms thrown around at the risk of sounding cool – “carbon footprint” is one that is often abused. So if you have somehow fumbled across this article, let me spell out what it means. If you break the phrase down, here is how it is understood:

‘Carbon’ refers to the gases that contribute to global warming

&

‘Footprint’ refers their impression left behind.

Hence, put together – carbon footprint refers to the climatic changes we are experiencing as a result of the many choices we’ve made as a global community. So if you wish to decrease your share of the footprint, to – I don’t know – avoid floods and the likes, here is a short and bulleted course for you:

• Try to consume less meat. This doesn’t mean you become a vegan or even a vegetarian. If a particular condiment exists, it means that in one way or another your body requires it for survival and muscle rejuvenation. However, it is important to practice moderation in all aspects of life. This isn’t just true to decrease your footprint but can also be seen as a course to decrease obesity. When it comes to eating meat, the carbon footprint is higher for numerous reasons. It is inclusive of the gases being emitted in the farm, on the road and the factories. So, instead of driving a couple of extra miles just to get a juicy steak, try and savor the salad you can get from across the street every once in a while

Source: Sustainability Slack Exchange

•  We all know how important a warm and comfortable home is during the winter season. However, in most areas, the lack of available Sui gas ensures this desire is only ever just a dream. Nonetheless, a house that avoids drafts ensures even lesser energy is required to heat it. This means that it is best to ensure your home is fully insulated. This ensures that the heat being supplied inside is not being wasted from the points of release. A well-insulated home requires lesser energy for heating and cooling. As a result, your carbon footprint automatically lowers.

Source: Youtube

• It is always a smart idea to invest in battery run cars. Yes, it sounds fancy and expensive, but in the long run, a battery-run car is helpful. This way, the gases being emitted by the fuel engineered cars can easily be controlled and plus point – electrical cars are far more efficient.

Source: The Register

• There is one thing we all need in our homes – lights! How does this contribute to the whole carbon footprint debacle? Glad you asked; an LED equivalent to the halogen lights ensures less energy is guzzled down. LED lights use merely a fraction of the energy that is otherwise required by a regular bulb. LED lights are cost effective and statistically speaking – they can reduce the carbon footprint of just one individually by a whopping 5-6 tons annually.

More than that they usually don’t require replacement for 10 years.

• Lastly, try and limit your use of home appliances until only necessary. You’ll be surprised to see how your home’s energy consumption will blow through the roof if you use them frequently. The easiest way to reduce your footprint through the use of home appliances is avoiding heating and cooling machines. This means minimizing the use of coolers, heaters, dryers, home heating and conditioning et cetera. An example is – instead of dumping your clothes in a dryer, air dry them.
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It is true that we live and breathe the policy that “I do it because they do it.” However, considering the pace at which our environment seems to be deteriorating, it only makes sense to start putting in a personal effort in the choices we make. There is a reason why certain aspects are considered a norm in society – because someone, somewhere, centuries ago decided to do it for the first time.

That is all we need – a first time.