What is Carbon Footprint, and How Do You Reduce It?

Did you know that South Africa ranks first among Africa's major carbon emitters, emitting 471.6 million metric tons of carbon (MtC) in 2019? Two of the significant contributors to the carbon footprint in South Africa are industry and transportation.

During the past 200 years, human activity has culminated in us being on the verge of an environmental catastrophe. We are advised, however, that there are always things we can do to minimise the damage, and one such action is reducing our carbon footprint.

What Is a Carbon Footprint? 

Carbon footprint. It's an expression that's often used when discussing climate change and the environment, but the meaning is not always grasped. Furthermore, there are often other meanings that must be known to gain the full perspective. We've outlined the concept of the carbon footprint as well as several other important common terms. 

Carbon Footprint

A cumulative amount of greenhouse gases are emitted into the environment due to an individual's, organisation's, or country's actions. It is usually estimated in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). 

Greenhouse Gases (GHG)

Gases in the atmosphere that prevents heat from escaping. Carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are the key ones to consider in carbon footprint and climate change.

The Greenhouse Effect

The mechanism by which GHGs in the Earth's atmosphere trap solar heat. Even though this is a natural process that makes the atmosphere habitable, our GHG emissions force the planet to warm at an unnatural pace. 

Climate Change

A long-term pattern of change in temperature and weather conditions, either regionally or globally. While these changes occur gradually, human-made climate change is hastening their progression.

Global Warming

The exponential rise in average global surface temperatures caused by the build-up of greenhouse gases. This is just one component of climate change.

Fossil Fuels

When natural materials are burned, they emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Examples include coal, natural gas, and oil.

All of these terms are intertwined with the concept of a carbon footprint. People, organisations, and countries can all play a role in assuming responsibility for many of these causes.

Why Is Carbon Footprint Important?  

All of this discussion about carbon emissions and footprints can have you wondering why you should minimise them. After all, how much influence can one person have, especially as compared to governments and large corporations?

In fact, the connections between greenhouse gas emissions and climate change are much too clear and extreme to disregard. Global average temperatures are rising, extreme weather conditions are getting more intense, ocean levels are rising, and acidification occurs. Many of these environmental threats are exacerbated by human activities.

By reducing your carbon footprint, you can assist in reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions. Small changes made by everyone in our battle against climate change will have a huge impact.

It isn't just about the climate. Reducing your carbon footprint will help you live a healthier and more cost-effective lifestyle. Whether it's fresh air, a healthy diet, or lower energy costs, lowering your carbon footprint means you're helping to fight climate change.

How Do I Measure My Carbon Footprint? 

Surprisingly, only 100 businesses are responsible for 71% of global greenhouse gas emissions. People have a carbon footprint too and our behaviour and lifestyle decisions affects the planet as a whole. 

To measure your carbon footprint, an environmental footprint calculator is a good place to start. Consider aspects of your lifestyle, including:

Your home energy consumption and waste

This covers aspects like the amount of electricity, gas, and other fuels you consume and where they come from, as well as whether you compost or send the waste to a landfill or an incinerator.

How you travel

Your carbon emissions can differ based on whether or not you own a vehicle, as well as how much you use it—likewise, your use of public transportation. You must also factor in any flights you take since they add greatly to carbon emissions.

Your type of diet 

The food you eat and where you obtain it will greatly impact your total carbon footprint. The more energy and resources it takes to generate and export your food, the more it impacts the environment.

Your shopping habits

Another question is how often you buy new items such as appliances, household goods, and clothing items. The lifetime of these products and where and how they are manufactured will all influence your carbon footprint.

How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Let's look at certain ways to reduce the carbon footprint now that we've got a better picture of carbon emissions and climate change. Many of these are quick and practical measures that you can implement. However, when paired, they may have a significant effect on the environmental impact. 

Home insulation 

Heating your home can be a costly and energy-intensive procedure. Through insulating areas such as your windows, doors, roof, and walls, you can ensure that your home retains heat in the winter and remains cool in the summer. It allows you to consume less electricity, thereby lowering your carbon emissions as well as living expenses.  

Switch to green energy

South Africa’s climate and the weather are perfect to harness energy from the sun. Most areas in South Africa average more than 2 500 hours of sunshine per year. Solar energy emits no CO2, unlike coal-powered stations. 

Home setup and installation is still costly for most homeowners, but you might want to start by converting your geyser to solar energy.  As costs become more affordable, consider installing solar panels, which will also take care of the load shedding bugbear that may still be around for some time. 

Buy energy-efficient products

Electrical appliances have become more efficient with each passing year. Several countries now demonstrate how effective specific products are, allowing you to make an educated decision.

The most energy-efficient light bulbs are LEDs, which also have a very long lifespan compared to incandescent and halogen bulbs.

You will make your home more eco-friendly by purchasing energy-saving light bulbs or appliances with a high-energy star ranking. 

Using less water 

Processing and delivering water to our homes requires loads of energy and resources. By consuming less, you support the environment while lowering your carbon footprint. Every drop counts, like shutting off the tap while brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers instead of baths, and of course, we learned to place a bucket under the shower while waiting for the hot water to flow in. 

Speaking of which, water needs a lot of energy in order to heat it up, so be mindful when filling the kettle and only boil enough water you need to make your beverage.

Changing your diet

The food we eat may have a huge environmental effect. Meat and dairy products, for example, need a lot of soil, water, and electricity to manufacture. They also generate a lot of methane greenhouse gases. You can make a huge difference by consuming fewer animal products, particularly red meat, or opt for a mainly plant-based diet.

Food imported from abroad is resource-heavy, so purchase in season and avoid buying avocados from Spain or any other type of fruit and vegetables that are grown locally. 

Turn off the lights 

Powering vacant rooms and office spaces consumes a huge amount of energy and you can prevent wastage by shutting off lighting and appliances while they are not in operation.  

Use different modes of transport 

Cars and taxis are an energy-intensive mode of transportation, while trains, buses, and coaches carry a larger amount of passengers and are a more environmentally-friendly means of transportation.

Cycling is one of the most eco-friendly modes of transportation. If possible, and you live close enough, cycle or walk to work or the shops. It may require some extra planning but you’ll certainly save on fuel costs and get fitter. 

Reduce, reuse, recycle 

Businesses and individuals of all types use a wide range of materials in their day-to-day operations. Anything has a carbon footprint, whether it's paper, mobile devices, packaging, or water. You can make a significant impact by using less, repairing and maintaining IT equipment, and recycling waste paper. 

Discontinue using disposable plastic containers 

Single-use plastics are handy, but they are particularly detrimental to the environment. They not only pollute our rivers and oceans, but they also use resources to generate and recycle. Reduce your carbon footprint by discontinuing the use of disposable plastic containers. 

Make your own compost 

Composting is remarkably good for the environment, particularly given the prevalence of food waste. You will help to reduce landfill methane emissions by establishing a composting corner on your property. This form of compost is natural, takes no energy to grow, and is beneficial to your garden. 

Direct destination flying 

Flying has the highest carbon footprint of any other means of transportation. When you fly, try to minimise the number of transfers along the way, preferably by going straight to your destination.

Summary

Small improvements, whether at home, work, school, or when travelling all add up. In short, to minimise your carbon footprint, you should reduce the amount of electricity you consume, purchase fewer animal products, buy locally, fly responsibly, and minimise your waste.  

If you find yourself affected by any climate change elements such as storm damage, lightning strikes, and floods, Dialdirect offers home contents insurance for valuable and precious possessions.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes only. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of the content. The views and opinions are those of the author and not necessarily those of the company.