Shop Local and Minimize your Carbon Foot Print
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How to minimize your carbon foot print.
by Allison Ray
"Carbon Footprint" is a term used in describing a person/family/businesses impact on the environment. Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere each day during daily activities (carbon dioxide gas is a major contributor to the green house effect). Though becoming aware of your carbon footprints impact, you can make informed decisions to create a positive change.
Calculate your individual or families carbon foot print by answering a few questions online at nature.org's using carbon foot print calculator.
Top ten ways to reduce your carbon foot print.
1 Conserve energy- Use energy efficient light bulbs. Unplug electrical items when not in use to minimize phantom load. When replacing old appliances opt to buy more energy efficient ones.
2 Make some home improvements- Add/check insulation levels. Use double pane windows. Research alternative energy sources like solar panels.
3 Transportation- Walk to local stores, carpool, utilize public transportation, plan your shopping to get as much done as possible in one trip.
4 Shop Locally-If you live in Texas and buy Texas foods the actual food travels less to get to your home than if you live in Texas and buy California grown foods. It has to ship from the farm in California to the Store in Texas then you have to drive to the store in Texas to buy it.
5 Shop at farmers markets and preserve your own vegetables. You can have fresh vegetable even when they are not traditionally in season- you can "shop" in your own pantry.
6 Use reusable grocery bags.
7 Recycle
8 Conserve Water
9 Plant a tree native tree (one that grows well in your area and does not use a lot of extra water) this will save 2268kg of CO2 per year per tree.
10 Compost plant and food waste
Other articles you might be interested in:
Tips to become a more savvy organic food shopper- How to get organized and save money.8 tips to help you save money when shopping for organic foods and a printable grocery list.
How to read PLU codes.
What are PLU codes and why do savvy shoppers know how to read them.
How to make an organic food grocery list.
How to organize organic coupons
How to buy the best organic dog food with coupons
Body Care Products information from Organic Consumers Association- Good reference about the use of "organics" on the packaging on body care products.