Reducing Carbon: Personal Strategies
We emit carbon when we choose to do almost anything that requires energy. Here are some personal strategies to help limit carbon emissions.
ENERGY USE:
Using natural light and opening the windows (in summer without air conditioning) are great strategies for reducing energy use.
- Use natural light whenever possible. When light is needed, use energy efficient light bulbs. Turn lights off when not in use.
- Open windows to allow air circulation. Set thermostat as a reasonable temperature to decrease energy use which means setting the temperature higher in summer and colder in winter.
TRAVEL:
Walking or other human powered travel such as biking, rollerblading or skateboarding is the best strategy for reducing carbon emissions during travel.
- Ride a bicycle.
- Take public transportation such as a bus or train.
- Coordinate carpools with friends or neighbors.
- Drive an energy efficient vehicle. Vehicles that get poor gas mileage—like sport utility vehicles—are the worst choice.
CONSUMPTION:
We emit a lot of carbon to create and ship products, so only buy what you absolutely need and buy products grown or made locally.
- If you must buy something, consider its efficiency in terms of production and transportation.
- Fix something instead of replacing it.
- Recycle, reuse, and reduce your waste stream.