Reducing Your Carbon Footprint: Tips for a Greener Lifestyle

Just by purchasing Energy Star appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers, you can drastically lower your water and energy consumption. Products with the Energy Star label are specifically designed to have exceptional energy efficiency.

While solar panels can be an expensive option for your home, they can practically pay for themselves in energy savings. You can even save money with tax incentives and energy rebates from your local utility company.

Support local farmers and purchase locally grown produce instead of buying from the grocery store. The mass production and transportation of food makes up for about 13% of the U.S greenhouse gases.

Make your own compost!

Recycling can help reduce the emission of greenhouse gases from landfills. So, take the time to start recycling plastic bottles, cardboard boxes, and glass bottles around the house. Encourage your family to do the same. Make it a game! At the end of the work week, measure how much each family member was able to recycle, and the individual with the most recycled items gets a prize.

There are several ways to reduce your water consumption:

• Turn off the water when you aren’t using it
• Install energy efficient water faucets and showerheads
• Use cooking water for watering plants
• Make a rain harvesting water barrel
• Harvest gray water for your garden