With the condition of our planet being as well documented as it is, there is no excuse for leading wasteful and irresponsible lives. Global warming has, is, and will continue to have a devastating impact on communities around the world.

This isn’t the first time humanity has needed to drastically change the way we live so we can protect our planet; this is a burning issue that we’ve known about for decades. As the climate changes and the effects get felt in some of the poorest countries, more and more people are starting to realize that a change needs to happen – for the good of everyone on Earth.

What we drive, buy, consume, and use all contribute to our carbon footprint, and we drastically need to reduce that. Follow these seven tips below to reduce yours from today:

1. Know Your Usage

Do an energy audit of your home because that is the only way to get an accurate insight into how you use or waste energy. After digging deeper into your usage, you will be better informed on how to be more energy efficient.

Common areas that need addressing include the following – changing incandescent light bulbs, switching lights off when they are not in use, and taking shorter showers. Many people are guilty of the same patterns when wasting energy.

2. Insulation Is Paramount

Insulation dramatically decreases the amount of heat lost through roofs, walls, and flooring – meaning far less energy is required to heat your home.  Properly installed insulation reduces and frequently removes the reliance on electricity and gas power at home.

Once your reliance on energy gets reduced, your carbon footprint automatically reduces too. Installing decent insulation can reduce your home’s carbon footprint by over 30% – not to mention the savings you’ll enjoy on monthly heating and cooling costs.

3. Choose Native Landscaping

Gardeners unwittingly contribute to the problem of climate change in multiple ways, one of the most significant being the decision to plant trees and bushes that are not native to that area.

Landscaping your yard with native trees, flowers, bushes, and shrubs virtually eliminates added sources of emissions and reduces air and water pollution at the same time. Create the perfect garden for birds and insects in your area and enhance your home’s curb appeal by going native with your plant selection.

The landscape’s native plants require less water and no chemical pesticides or fertilizers – only homemade compost occasionally.

4. Go Solar

Solar power produces no emissions during the generation process, making it one of the most eco-friendly energy sources ever invented. Multiple assessments and studies have proven that solar power significantly reduces the carbon footprint in a household.

Before you get solar fitted in your home, jot down any questions to ask a solar installer to put your mind at ease. Some of the most common issues and concerns have probably been addressed in the past, so trust in their knowledge and experience to guide you along your journey. 

5. High-Efficiency Appliances

Apart from the more obvious ways to reduce your carbon footprint at home such as turning your water heater down and taking shorter showers with a low-flow showerhead, there are other clever ways to reduce your energy consumption.

Once solar power has been installed in your home, you will find that you need to make a few necessary lifestyle adjustments, and investing in high-efficiency appliances can help in the long run.

One of the biggest advantages to investing in high-efficiency household appliances is being able to do the same or more, with less. High-efficiency washers use up to two-thirds less water per wash when compared to older models – and they use less energy since there is less water being used.

6. Wash In Cold Water

Almost 90% of the energy used during the average washing cycle of your machine goes towards heating the water. Using cold water to wash your clothing eliminates the need for that extra energy.

Studies have shown that washing in cold water is better for your clothing as well – resulting in happier clothes and a happier planet. You can drastically decrease your carbon footprint simply by making the switch to washing in cool water.

7. Install A Smart Thermostat

Thermostats are used by certain appliances such as water heaters to regulate the cooling and heating of said appliances. Smart thermostats take that one step further by using algorithms and specialized sensors to boost energy efficiency.

That makes them a smart and simple way to lower your energy consumption and reduce your footprint simultaneously.