The average person can sometimes feel powerless when it comes to global warming. After all, it is the commercial industry that plays one of the biggest roles in releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. However, there are several ways that individuals can reduce their own carbon footprint and help to save the planet.
Ways That The General Public Can Help
It can not be overstated how harmful excessive air travel can be to the environment. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that planes release greenhouse gases while at a high altitude. However, if people use air travel as little as possible then it can have a positive impact on the climate. Trains are a viable alternative to planes.
It has been estimated that switch
ing to a vegan diet can reduce carbon footprints by 20% in some cases. This is because the meat industry is such a big contributor to emissions. However, people do not have to make such an extreme lifestyle change in order to make a difference. Simply cutting down on beef and lamb is beneficial for the planet.
Another thing that people can do is reevaluate the ways that they heat their homes. A poorly insulated house will require a lot of energy to heat it up. Filling wall cavities and lofts with insulating materials can make a world of difference. However, it is also important to do this in a cost effective way. Completely overhauling heating systems and home structures will likely be too expensive. Therefore home owners should instead calculate how big their budget is and focus on areas of the building that waste the most energy.