So my friend, you want to learn how to reduce your carbon footprint? Hooray! We’re excited to have you come along with us on our sustainable mission to protect the planet!
First, you are going to want to find out what your carbon footprint is, which is an interesting way of measuring your environmental impact. Your carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases that your activities are responsible for, like how much electricity you use, what kind of car you drive and the mileage, whether or not you take public transportation and even the flights you take, what you eat and your buying habits. Carbon footprints are measured in metric tons of CO2 equivalent.
There are several sites that help you track your carbon footprint, such as Nature.org – which also has a carbon calculator. The more information you have to share, the more accurate your number will be.
The average carbon footprint for a person in the United States is one of the highest in the world, 16 tons. Globally, the average is closer to 4 tons. To have the best chance of avoiding a 2℃ rise in global temperatures, the average global carbon footprint per year needs to drop under 2 tons by 2050. We cannot afford not to make these changes otherwise our world’s temperatures will keep increasing. Here at Rebel Green, we urge everyone to say “No more please”!
Lowering individual carbon footprints from 16 tons to 2 tons will not happen overnight but don’t fret, we can make small changes to our actions at home, work and school.
Here are some tips and tricks to start you off on what you can do to reduce your impact in your home since you spend so much time there.
Electricity.
- Switch to a clean energy provider.
- Install solar panels.
- Unplug appliances when not in use, from your toaster oven to your microwave to your phone charger.
- Curtains are more than just pretty decor and sleep enhancers, they can be bonus insulation — in the winter, open them when it’s sunny for some free heat, when the sun goes down, close them to block the chill from coming in, and the heat from escaping.
- Switch off lights when you leave the room. (my mom used to charge me $1 for every light I left on!)
Kitchen
- Plant a vegetable garden or grow herbs on your windowsill.
- Cook and eat more plant-based meals (and of course, wash them well). Meat, eggs, and dairy have the highest environmental impact of any food.
- Reduce food waste by planning your meals ahead. Get creative with leftovers.
- Set up a compost bin for food scraps.
- Go tree free with your paper towels and switch to Rebel Green’s Carbon Neutral, bamboo paper towels. (Bamboo is just as soft as the same product made from wood)
Laundry Room
- When it’s time for a new washing machine, consider an energy-efficient washer and dryer.
- Use USDA Certified Organic, plant-based and non-toxic detergents.
- Wash with cold water.
- Wash with cold water.
- Hang dry.
- Stop using dryer sheets and use our natural Fabulous Fabric Softener instead.
Bathroom
- Switch your toilet paper roll to Rebel Green’s carbon neutral, tree free TP made from super soft bamboo. (Your trees may not thank you, but they would if they could!)
- Don’t leave the water running when you don’t need it — turn off your water when you’re brushing your teeth.
It is our mission is to make safer, earth-friendlier products that are gentler on the planet and better for you and your family. Thanks so much for joining us on this sustainability mission!
Xoxo,
Melina
Co-Founder of Rebel Green