To help fight climate change, it’s important to take action after reading the United Nations’ Sixth Assessment Report on the climate by the International Panel on Climate Change. The report paints a code red for humanity, highlighting that if society doesn’t reduce its carbon emissions to zero, we can expect even more extreme weather in the coming years. This report serves as a call to action for all of us to take responsibility and enact changes. So, what steps can we take to make a meaningful impact and combat climate change?
Use a Carbon Emissions Calculator
Like counting calories or using a step counter helps you make better choices, the same goes for emissions. Use a carbon emissions calculator to learn your carbon footprint and take steps to curb your emissions. According to the University of Michigan’s Center for Sustainable Systems, the average American household generates 48 tons of carbon emissions annually. Two good carbon footprint calculators are from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Nature Conservatory.
Eat a Plant-Based Diet
Food makes up 10 to 30 percent of the average household’s carbon emissions. Eating meat is one of the highest emission-creating foods, at 6.61 pounds of emissions for a single serving. In comparison, eating vegetables, rice, and legumes creates .16 pounds of carbon emissions per serving. Eating a plant-based diet can dramatically cut your carbon footprint. Even switching to one vegetarian meal per week is the equivalent of not driving 1.160 miles.
Switch to Solar Power
25% of all carbon emissions come from electricity. The average kilowatt of electricity generated in the United States of America creates .953 pounds of carbon emissions. Solar, wind, and hydropower produce no emissions and are a great way to reduce carbon emissions. Converting your home to an all-electric home using roof-mounted solar panels is a great way to reduce carbon emissions. Also, converting all your appliances and water heaters from gas to electric can make a big difference.
Until January 1, 2023, you can get a 26% Federal tax credit off the cost of a new solar system and cut your carbon emissions. Sun Power and Tesla are both excellent options and provide free estimates.
Switch from Gas to an Electric Car
Transportation makes up 29% of total carbon emissions, with passenger cars making up 41%. Switching from a gas to an electric vehicle is a great way to fight climate change. Electric Driver can show you how an electric car can reduce your carbon emissions and save you time and money. Beyond electric vehicles, stop flying, walk more, and use a bike when possible. Each decision can help make a difference in the fight to get carbon emissions down to zero.
Get the Most Out of Your Things
According to the Journal of Industrial Ecology, all the stuff we own contributes 60% of all global greenhouse gases. Try to squeeze the most life out of all the things you own. For example, when you decide to buy something, educate yourself. Try to buy things that are responsibly made. Look at how much carbon emissions were made in the production of the product. Vote with your money.
Invest in Sustainable Businesses
Vote with your money to bring about change. Buy from companies that make the right choices, work to cut emissions, and operate in an environmentally responsible fashion. For example, most of us have our retirement tied to the stock market. So, look into the businesses in your portfolio and invest in companies that bring about positive environmental change. Move your money away from companies that pollute and cause ecological harm.
Cut Plastics Out of Your Life
Plastics are made of oil, which is a fossil fuel. Using plastics fills up our landfills and encourages oil production. According to the Center for Environmental Law, if we continue to use plastics at our current rate by 2030, plastics will generate 1.34 gigatons of emissions annually. For example, 1.34 gigatons of carbon emissions are equivalent to 295 500-megaton coal plants. Being mindful and eliminating single-use plastics can help curb carbon emissions.
Plant Trees
Trees can help capture carbon, and we should take it upon ourselves to plant more trees. An international research team led by Jean-Francois Bastin of ETH-Zurich in Switzerland determined if we could plant another half a trillion trees, we could reduce global carbon emissions by 25%. Therefore, planting more trees at home is another measure to fight climate.
Educate Yourself
Awareness and education will go a long way in making better decisions regarding your carbon footprint. An easy way to get up to speed on climate education is to sign up for a free course online. Ed-X has free online courses from universities around the course you can take to get up to speed. To sum up, educating yourself is crucial to making better choices to fight climate change.
Now is an excellent time to consider an EV. Electric Driver can help you find the right electric vehicle that fits your lifestyle needs.