This year on average each person will generate 4.3 tons of excess carbon dioxide – this precipitates global warming and can lead to respiratory problems in humans and animals. There have been discussions in the government on how to reduce these numbers, but there are also measures we can take in our homes to decrease CO2 emissions.
- Adjust your water heater. Your water does not need to be painfully scalding hot. By reducing the temperature from 140 degrees Fahrenheit to 120, you will decrease your CO2 emission. Insulating your water heater or going tankless can also decrease carbon dioxide.
- Shut down and unplug devices. Even when you’re not using electronic devices, they use energy when plugged in. Turn off and unplug items such as a cell phone charger, coffee pot or hair dryer when not in use. Make it easier by plugging all items into a power strip.
- Hang clothes out to dry. Your dryer is one of the worse offenders for CO2 emissions. It’s summer, so take advantage of the few months we have of warm weather by getting a clothesline. If you can hang clothes somewhere inside during the winter months, you will save even more energy!
- Make life easier for your fridge. The refrigerator is right up there with your dryer as a worst offender. You will decrease the amount of CO2 you emit by keeping the refrigerator in a cooler area and waiting for hot food to cool down before putting it in the fridge. Be sure to defrost on a regular basis!
- Use energy-efficient light bulbs. Replace burnt out bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs – they fit into a standard socket, but last longer and have a better energy efficiency.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle. Cut down on purchasing products with lots of packaging, and reuse items such as plastic bags for garbage or to carry your lunch. Use the recycling bins in your neighborhood; it is better for the environment!
- Use a low-flow shower head. Your shower accounts for two-thirds of your water-heating bill – change shower heads to low-flow and take shorter showers to save money and energy.
- Update your home’s insulation. This will not only save CO2 but also a large amount of money. Updated wall and ceiling insulation can save you almost $250 dollars a year – over $1000 over five years!
Reducing your carbon dioxide emission is healthier for you, your family, and the environment. Think about taking these simple steps today to save you energy and money!
