Reducing your carbon footprint is a lot more than just buying locally and carpooling (though those do play a large part). It can be applied to everyday life in easier ways than you think! Here’s a list of 10 ways you can reduce your carbon footprint!

In the Car

1. Accelerating slowly, anticipating stops, and maintaining a steady speed can save more than a ton of CO2 per year.

When Running Errands 

2. Carpooling, walking, and biking are all easy ways to save CO2.

3. Prioritizing your trips also helps – try combining your errands to make for fewer trips.

In the Office

4. Print double-sided papers if you can.

5. Turn the lights off when you’re not using them and open those windows. Let that natural light in! 

In Buying Habits

6. Buy locally-produced and organic food if possible! It’s healthier and supports your community.

7. Cut meat out of your diet – raising livestock for food uses a lot of resources. Try lowering meat and dairy product intake, or even consider cutting them out completely.

8. Avoid shipping as best you can. Shipping actually burns fuel. A 5-pound package shipped by air can create 12 pounds of CO2 (3.5 pounds if shipped by truck)!

At Home

9. Reduce water usage by making showers shorter. You can also reduce paper use by removing your name from junk mail mailing lists.

10. Reusing and Recycling old things such as clothes, boxes, and plastic bags can help keep you from buying new things as well.