How often do you hear “Most carbon emission is caused by large companies. Individuals cannot make much a difference on climate.” WRONG! Companies produce to serve consumers ultimately. We each hold the power over our planet’s future. Conservation efforts start with ourselves, not someone else.
The Problem is Clear
“In 2 years, we are likely to blow pass the 1.5°C critical threshold for the climate. We may have another 10–15 years to reach the disastrous 2.0°C threshold where 99% of coral reef will be destroyed and most Antarctic ice sheets will collapse.”
Climate data all seem so hopeless that. It is easier to tune them out. The truth is that few of us have reduced our carbon footprint since 2015 Paris Climate Accord. We are mostly living our lives as if this is someone else’s problem. If you disagree, check your thermostats for confirmation.
Aren’t we all secretly hoping corporations, the government or scientists will save our planet when we are not looking?
They may be trying but data suggest they are not doing a very good job.
The Solution is in the Daily Life-Style Choices Made by Each One of Us
Corporations make stuff ultimately for consumers, even if some serve other businesses. So consumer choices determine what and how much corporations consume in energy and material to produce. The plastic bag we take from the grocery store is already made, but by refusing to take that one, the factory will eventually need to produce one less bag to fill their inventory.
There are so many life-style choices that are more environmentally friendly, we will start with a few suggestions that doesn’t require heroic change to your life.
3 Easy Way to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Turning off and unplug your computer and TV at night can save you $50 or more in electricity a year.
- Unplug Appliances Not in Use Many appliances draw power even not in use. Unplug each after use or put your entertainment appliances onto one power strip to turn off together.
- Turn Off Computers at Night and Unplug Leaving a laptop computer plugged in, even when it’s fully charged, uses about 235 kWh a year. That’s about 1/4 of the monthly electricity consumption a month.
- Increase Your A/C Cooling Setting by 2°F 78° cooling setting is the ideal temperature to save money. If that’s not ideal for you, 2°F higher cooling setting can still save you 5–6% in electricity bills.
