How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. In 2023, the world experienced its warmest year since records began in 1850, with temperatures 1.18°C (2.12°F) above the 20th-century average. The past decade alone has seen the ten warmest years ever recorded, we need to address the climate crisis today. The impacts are widespread, from devastating wildfires and severe storms to rising sea levels and food insecurity. While individual actions alone cannot solve the problem, they are an essential part of a collective effort to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Understanding the Carbon Footprint

A carbon footprint represents the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) released into the atmosphere from the activities and choices of a person, group, or business. It is calculated based on direct and indirect emissions associated with these activities.

The concept of the "carbon footprint" was popularised by BP in 2004 to shift the blame for climate change from corporations to individuals. While personal actions are crucial, they are not sufficient alone to tackle the climate crisis. Significant change requires collective action at local, national, and global levels.

Just 100 companies have been responsible for over 70% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions since 1988, with major fossil fuel companies among the highest emitters. Corporate lobbying and misinformation campaigns have historically undermined climate action efforts. Between lobbying, political contributions, and advertising efforts, fossil fuel interests spent 27 times as much as climate advocacy groups from 2008 to 2018 to obstruct climate action.

By recognising the broader context of carbon footprints and the significant impact of corporate practices, we can better understand what we need to do next, combining individual actions with systemic change. This approach will help us address the root causes of climate change and promote sustainable solutions.

8 Ways to Take Climate Action

While it's clear that large corporations bear significant responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions, our individual actions can drive meaningful change. By making conscious choices, we not only reduce our own carbon footprints but also create demand for more sustainable products and practices. Below are eight actionable ways to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet.

1. Sustainable Transportation

Transportation accounts for approximately 24% of global CO2 emissions from fuel combustion. Using public transport can reduce CO2 emissions by 37 million metric tons annually, and, if you can afford it, switching to electric vehicles (EVs) could cut emissions by 50% compared to conventional vehicles.

Using public transport, walking, or cycling lowers your carbon footprint and promotes a healthier lifestyle. For longer distances, consider carpooling or using car-sharing services that offer electric or hybrid vehicles. Embracing sustainable transportation options can make a significant difference in reducing our collective carbon footprint.

2. Plant-Based Diet

Livestock farming accounts for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Adopting a plant-based diet can reduce your carbon footprint from food by up to 73%.

Switching to a plant-based diet doesn't mean you have to become vegan overnight. Start by incorporating more plant-based meals into your weekly routine and gradually reduce your meat consumption. Resources like HappyCow, Forks Over Knives, and Veganuary are designed to help you make this transition.

3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Recycling aluminium saves 95% of the energy required to produce it from raw materials. By reducing waste and recycling, we can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the need for new material extraction and processing.

Globally, the recycling rate for paper is 58%, but only 14% for plastic. Increasing our recycling efforts and supporting policies that improve recycling infrastructure can have a profound impact on reducing emissions and conserving resources. Tools like Recycle Nation, TerraCycle, and How2Recycle can help you find recycling centres and understand how to recycle correctly.

4. Sustainable Consumption

Sustainable consumption involves choosing products and services with a lower environmental impact. This includes buying locally sourced goods, products with minimal packaging, and items made from sustainable materials. Sustainable consumption can reduce personal carbon footprints by up to 20%.

The fast fashion industry contributes to 10% of global CO2 emissions. By choosing quality over quantity, repairing instead of discarding, and supporting brands that prioritise sustainability, we can reduce the environmental impact of our consumption habits. Resources like Good On You and BuyMeOnce, can help you make better choices as a consumer and simple changes in your life such as using the Ecosia search engine can help you reduce your digital impact. As we collectively pick up these more sustainable habits we will make a bigger impact on climate change.

5. Support Renewable Energy Projects

Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro could reduce global CO2 emissions by up to 70% by 2050. In 2020, renewables generated 29% of global electricity.

Investing in renewable energy projects, whether through direct investment, choosing green energy providers, or supporting policies that promote renewable energy, can accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. Interested in setting up solar power in your home? Google's Project Sunroof could help you find the optimal space on your property. You can also explore renewable energy options you can switch to today with tools like USwitch in the UK, EnergySage in the US and the Green Electricity Guide by Greenpeace in Australia.

6. Reduce Air Travel

Air travel accounts for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions, a single transatlantic flight can generate as much CO2 as the average person does in a year. Reducing air travel and opting for virtual meetings or alternative transport modes can significantly lower your carbon footprint.

When travel is necessary, consider working out your carbon expenditure and with tools like the Carbon Footprint Calculator and create a plan for carbon offsetting by investing in renewable energy projects or supporting tree planting initiatives. The best approach would be to not fly at all and initiatives like FlightFree could help you understand the impact of your flights and find you a different option, but if you have to fly, you can donate to carbon capture projects such as Food Forest, to offset your most important travel.

7. Plant Trees

Trees play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon. A mature tree can absorb up to 48 pounds of CO2 annually. Global reforestation has the potential to capture 205 gigatonnes of CO2.

In 2023, almost 28.3 million hectares of tree cover were lost globally, more than double the 2001 levels. This increase in tree cover loss is linked to widespread deforestation, agricultural expansion, and wildfires.

Planting trees at home or in your community can make a significant difference. Trees provide shade, reduce energy costs, and improve air quality. They also support biodiversity and enhance the resilience of local ecosystems.

At Food Forest Carbon Capture, we are working on several projects to restore ecosystems and support communities affected by climate change. From the Maya Chortí in Copán to the Indigenous Women of Intibucá, our initiatives focus on planting diverse food forests that not only sequester carbon but also provide food and income for local communities. By supporting our projects, you can help rebuild these communities and create a sustainable future for many lives that have been devastated by the climate crisis. Donate to carbon capture initiatives today.

8. Spread Awareness

Educating others about climate change and sustainability can drive collective action. Awareness campaigns can lead to behavioural changes that significantly reduce carbon footprints. Social media and community engagement are effective tools for spreading environmental awareness.

Teaching climate change and sustainability in schools, organising community events, and participating in online campaigns can amplify the impact of individual actions. By spreading awareness, you encourage others to adopt sustainable practices, creating a ripple effect that can lead to substantial environmental benefits. Tools like the Climate Reality Project and the Earth Day Network provide resources for climate education and advocacy.

What's Next?

While the concept of the carbon footprint can sometimes feel overwhelming, it’s important to remember that significant change requires both individual actions and systemic changes. At Food Forest, we believe that while the onus shouldn’t fall entirely on individuals, our collective actions matter. Whether it's going vegan, riding your bike to work, planting trees, or voting for leaders who prioritise the environment, every choice counts.

In 2023 alone, climate disasters claimed 12,000 lives globally and caused extensive economic damage. The time for action is now. By making conscious decisions and encouraging others to do the same, we can bring about the change needed to combat the climate crisis. Together, we can create a healthier planet and a more sustainable future. Start making these changes today and inspire others to join you in this vital mission.

Tools and Resources

HappyCow
Forks Over Knives
Veganuary
Recycle Nation
TerraCycle
How2Recycle
Good On You
BuyMeOnce
Ecosia
USwitch
EnergySage
Project Sunroof
The Green Electricity Guide by Greenpeace
Carbon Footprint Calculator
FlightFree
Climate Reality Project
Earth Day Network