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Climate change is a pressing issue that affects everyone, and it is everyone's responsibility to work towards reducing our carbon footprints. In Australia, we are responsible for 4.5% of global fossil carbon dioxide emissions despite only accounting for 0.33% of the world’s population. The average Australian household of 2.6 people has an annual carbon footprint of between 15-20 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, and if we are to meet UN standards to limit global warming by 2050, we must look to lower that number to just 2 tonnes of emissions per person per year. Fortunately, there are easy tips that can be implemented to drastically reduce individual carbon footprints without compromising on too many creature comforts.
We’ll be exploring how you can make conscious choices regarding energy consumption, transportation, waste, and consumption habits for reducing your carbon footprint, as well as the importance of educating others.
Turning lights or devices off whenever possible is a great method to reduce unnecessary power consumption, but improving the energy efficiency of your lights and appliances can make a big difference in your carbon footprint. Upgrading your appliances to high-star-rated models, switching to LED lighting, and using a smart meter to monitor your usage is a great place to start. Heating and cooling are highly energy-intensive, which is why insulating your home, sealing air leaks, and using timers can drastically reduce your energy consumption.
Having a car offers freedom, but it has a significant environmental impact. Upgrading to an electric vehicle can be a large expense, but those who do are not only kinder to the environment but also their wallets. Whenever possible, walking or biking is the best alternative as they are both carbon neutral and for longer distances, taking public transportation drastically reduces individual footprints. If you must drive a vehicle powered by fossil fuels, carpooling is an excellent method for us to collaborate and make a difference.
Almost everything we use has a carbon footprint, which is why we must look to reduce waste whenever possible. Whether it is freezing food that is nearing its expiration date, composting food scraps, or recycling and reusing materials, minimising consumption and waste can help to reduce your individual carbon footprint. Many of the things we use are imported from across the world, and by choosing Australian-made products, you’re supporting Australian businesses whilst reducing the need for energy-intensive transport means to bring products from across the globe. The types of food we eat and where we source them have a substantial impact on our carbon footprint, which is why eating less meat, buying local, and prioritising seasonal produce are great steps for reducing your carbon footprint.
As individuals, our carbon footprints might not seem significant, but on a larger scale, everyone counts. Education plays a vital role in reducing the carbon footprints of Australians, and by fostering awareness of sustainable daily choices, we can make a positive impact that is far more substantial than any reduction we could do on our own. With an understanding of the environmental implications of their actions, you can help others to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Change is difficult, but it’s our responsibility to look after our environment so that future generations will continue to thrive. Conserving water, using renewable energy, supporting local and sustainable businesses, and educating yourself and others are a great place to start when looking to reduce your carbon footprint.
If you would like to learn more about how Altogether is helping Australians reduce their carbon footprints and conserve precious drinking water, learn more about the work we do or get in touch with us today.
At Altogether, we deliver reliable, localised essential services to over 500 communities across Australia. From world-leading recycled water systems to efficient embedded energy networks in high-rise communities, and smart grids in small communities, we're determined to do the right thing by our customers, and by the planet. As a multi-utility service provider, it’s our mission to make the world a brighter place, and we do that by offering sustainable power, water and data services.
