The Green Movement has discussed many ways for reducing your carbon footprint. These can be small changes or major modifications. Develop an eco-friendly mindset that can help you create a smaller, more sustainable carbon footprint. 

Carbon Emissions Sources

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) has written a book, called Drawdown, which provides 100 valuable solutions for reducing carbon footprints. The penultimate goal of this book is to reverse global warming. While the challenge is difficult, it can be accomplished. 

Just think of the Moon Landing. Didn’t people say that reaching the moon was impossible? Likewise, some are daunted by the deteriorating environment – already people can see dramatic temperature variations, droughts and flooding. 

How Large is Your Carbon Footprint?

To begin with, you should understand the different elements making up your carbon footprint. Everywhere you go, you impact the environment. Here is the Union of Concerned Scientists breakdown for your carbon footprint: 

• Food is 14%
  
• HVAC is 17%
  
• Other Home Energy is 15%
  
• Transportation is 28%
  
• Merchandise is 26%
  

Certain foods are easier to produce – they require less land, water and other resources. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning – 17% of your home energy usage is for these purposes. Your other home energy footprint factors might include dish washing, teeth brushing and bathing. 

We will discuss the smallest carbon footprint transportation options. And, you can also determine whether your merchandise buying habits should be restructured. 

Food

How much water do various foods require for production? Of course, water intensive foods will create the largest carbon footprint, according to Living Strong. Reducing your carbon footprint has become a more central focus after the California drought, since so many American crops are grown in the state. Here are some of the most water-intensive foods: 

• Almonds
  
• Beef
  
• Chicken
  
• Milk
  
• Eggs
  
• Chocolate
  

You could join others in having a Meatless Monday or become a vegetarian to reduce your carbon footprint. Some of the less water-intensive foods include bread, tea, tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce and sugar. 

HVAC

Have you entered the modern age of smart house energy usage by installing programmable thermostats, yet? Many of the most advanced models allow you to make changes remotely, using your smart phone. This can help you make sure that your HVAC has a lower carbon footprint. 

Other Home Energy

Water is essential to human life. Reducing your carbon footprint can be achieve by water conservation. Reusing water could be useful, especially for watering the lawn, which requires 30 to 180 gallons. Already, Californians have seen lawn watering restrictions. 

Washing your car takes about 50 gallons of water; this is less than your toilet, which requires 60 gallons per day. Even brushing your teeth takes 2 to 5 gallons of water. 

Transportation

Most environmentally-conscious individuals will purchase a hybrid automobile. This can be the most effective way for a busy family to reduce its carbon footprint. For others, they can look into public transportation, carpooling or biking. 

Merchandise

Instead of purchasing brand new clothes, why not visit the second-hand store? You could also give your old clothes to local charities, killing two birds with one stone. Be socially and environmentally conscious. 

Environmentally conscious people only have one Mother Earth. Hopefully, your positive actions will become virile. All great movements, including the Green Movement, are started by the most committed and passionate.