Lowering your environmental impact can seem like a daunting task. That’s why the GlobalGiving team compiled 50 of the best ways to lower your carbon footprint! Pick your favorites, and let’s go green together.
Save time sorting out your whites! One load of laundry uses approximately 40 gallons of water, so make sure you have a nice full load to help your clean tees stay “green.”
Doing two loads of laundry weekly in cold water instead of hot or warm water can save up to 500 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.
Skipping the dryer can reduce the carbon footprint of your clothing by as much as 33%!
You can do this by looking for Energy Star-certified products. This won’t just help lower your carbon emissions, but it should lower your energy bill, too.
Water heating makes up to 25% of energy consumption in the average US household. Plus, by turning your water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit instead of the typical 140, you could save up to 10% each year on water heating costs.
Additionally, try installing a low-flow showerhead to reduce hot water use throughout the year!
A well-insulated home reduces the amount of cool or warm air that can escape, and it also reduces the amount of energy needed to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Even if your appliances are powered off, they still consume energy as long as they’re plugged in. This “vampire power” costs more than $19 billion in the US alone.
This can save up to 90% of your energy costs!
If you find yourself constantly needing to switch the batteries in your devices, it might be time to make the switch to rechargeables. Though they are pricier than disposables, they make less environmental waste when properly recycled.
If you have a dishwasher, it’s time to let it do its job. Though it may be tempting to give your dishes a rinse before tossing them in the dishwasher, it’s actually more environmentally friendly to just scrape off any excess food, make sure the dishwasher is full before each use, and run it on the economy setting.
Palm oil contributes to deforestation and, consequently, the habitat loss of several endangered species, like the pygmy elephant.
No backyard? No problem! Balcony gardens are a great solution for urbanites looking to up their curb appeal while lowering their environmental impact.
Though pricey to install, investing in a renewable energy source like solar panels can eliminate the same amount of carbon emissions as burning more than 5,000 pounds of coal each year.
You might save more water than you think!
You’ll cut down on paper waste and stress!
This way, your money will be invested in clean energy.
Support climate champions around the world!
Doing all your errands in one day will help you cut back on unnecessary trips throughout the week. After all, the less you drive, the more you reduce your carbon footprint!
Headed to the grocery store? If it’s not too far, consider hopping on your bike or walking instead. You’ll cut carbon emissions and reduce your footprint from not traveling as much!
CO2 emissions from aviation dropped by 60% during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Although air travel is beginning to pick up, consider going by train or car whenever possible.
Support climate champions around the world!
$5 tees may be tempting, but these cheap clothes contribute to more than 15 million tons of textile waste produced each year. These companies also tend to engage in exploitative labor practices. Not sure if a brand is sustainable? The Good On You app has more than 2,000 ratings of ethical brands.
One plastic bag takes 500 years—or more―to decompose in the landfill.
Opt for quality rather than quantity to cut down your carbon footprint.
Buying in bulk can also help you cut out plastic!
When buying gas and electricity, consider companies that are working to switch to clean energy.
Buy plastic-free toilet paper rolls.
Use shampoo and conditioner bars to reduce packaging.
You know those plastic produce bags at the grocery store? You don’t actually need them! You can forgo the bags altogether, purchase reusable ones, or even repurpose an old pillowcase.
It takes nearly 400 years for a plastic toothbrush to decompose. Try switching to a biodegradable alternative.
Lots of single-use items, like feminine hygiene products and diapers, have reusable alternatives.
Instead of always getting the latest fashion, try visiting your local thrift store, joining a “Buy Nothing” group, or repairing old clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Buying from companies that support a low-carbon future can reduce the environmental impact of your shopping habits in the long run.
Most cleaning products come in disposable bottles, and some chemicals can be harmful to you and the environment. Switching to eco-friendly alternatives is a wonderful way to go green while you clean!
More and more, businesses are starting to make the switch to renewable energy. As a consumer, you can show your support by only buying from companies taking serious action to reduce their environmental impact.
Support climate champions around the world!
Reduce your paper waste by using biodegradable coffee filters and tea bags.
Minimize your carbon footprint with a reusable water bottle!
I know, who doesn’t love ice cream? But an Oxford University study shows that reducing your dairy intake is one of the greatest ways you can reduce your carbon footprint.
Get a reusable one instead!
Consider reusable or compostable tableware instead to reduce your carbon footprint and the amount of plastic in landfills.
Reduce the distance your food is shipped by growing it at home!
Animal agriculture represents approximately 18% of carbon emissions worldwide. That’s more than every single car, bus, train, boat, and airplane on the planet—combined.
Buying locally grown produce whenever possible drastically reduces the emissions caused by freight shipping. Plus, it’s a great way to support your community’s economy!
Food scraps and yard waste make up around 30% of what we put in the trash. Composting can help reduce the amount of garbage you’re sending to the landfill and help you grow a healthier garden!
Support climate champions around the world!
You can borrow books, DVDs, and CDs at your local library and reduce your carbon footprint by not purchasing new copies.
One of the greatest sources of wasted energy is your entertainment system. Unplugging your devices before you leave the house, or better yet, after every use, will save lots of energy.
Take up activities like yoga and meditation for an escape no matter where you are. They are not only great for mental health, but they’re also low-impact ways to make us more mindful of our environment.
Support climate champions around the world!
One key step in becoming an effective climate champion is understanding your own impact. We love this handy carbon footprint calculator from Nature Conservancy and this Plastic Calculator from Carbon Footprint.
Share your passion for climate action with your friends, coworkers, family members, and local government. Here are a few of our favorite tips on inspiring Climate Action.
Check out our nonprofit partners working for a greener earth—there may be one in your city!
The communities most affected by our climate crisis are also home to the most innovative solutions. That’s why we created the Climate Action Fund—to provide critical resources for local leaders at the forefront of climate action.
Support climate champions around the world!
Featured Photo: Reconnect the Atlantic Forest with 20.000 Trees by WeForestFind exactly what you're looking for in our Learn Library by searching for specific words or phrases related to the content you need.
