Climate change is a serious global threat, but you don’t have to be a climate scientist or an activist to do your part in fighting it. Here are some simple habits according to Olympic cycling legend and conservation advocate Marty Nothstein that will help reduce your carbon footprint and prevent climate change risks.
Utilize Public Transportation Regularly Instead Of Private Vehicles
First of all, you can reduce your carbon footprint, save money and get a workout by taking public transportation. When you drive a car, you’re highly responsible for the emissions that it produces at all times.
But if you take public transportation instead of driving your car, then someone else will be responsible for those emissions, and they’ll likely be less than yours would have been because they’re not producing such emissions directly.
Only Use LED Light Bulbs In Your Home
LED light bulbs are more efficient compared to incandescent, CFL, and compact fluorescent bulbs. They use up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer.
For example, a 60-watt LED lamp will last about 20 years while an equivalent CFL bulb lasts about 6 years. The upfront cost of an LED bulb is higher than other types of lighting, but it pays off in the long run because you don’t have to replace them as often or spend money on new ones every year.
Turn The Thermostat Down When You Leave The House Or Sleep At Night
You need to turn the thermostat down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit when you leave the house or when you go to sleep at night. It’s easy to forget about your heating and cooling system when it’s not in use, but if you turn down your thermostat while away from home, it will save energy and money. Setting your thermostat back 10-15 degrees for eight hours can save 2-3% of your annual heating bill.
Install Low-Flow Showerheads And Faucet Aerators
Showerheads and faucet aerators are easy to install, and they can save you money at home. They work by restricting the amount of water that flows through the faucet or showerhead, so you use less water without noticing any difference in performance.
Aerators are available for both showerheads and faucets, but because most people tend to replace their entire showerheads instead of just the heads themselves, Marty Nothstein believes that it’s best to install an aerator on your existing fixture before replacing it entirely.
Use Local Produce Even If It Means Walking Or Biking Instead Of Driving
And finally, when you buy local produce, you can be sure that it’s fresher, healthier, and more sustainable than what you will usually find at the grocery store. Your food will also taste better because it hasn’t been shipped across the country or around the world before reaching your plate.
In addition to being more environmentally friendly, buying locally produced foods may be way safer for your health, as some recent studies show that eating non-organic produce has higher rates of pesticide residue compared to eating certain organic varieties.