There are areas where we can reduce our carbon footprint.
The largest contributor to our carbon footprint is energy. This amounts
to 62% of the total. If we limit this to electricity
and heat for household purposes only (non-industrial), this is about 25% of the
total.
The carbon footprint for transportation is 13.5% of the total emissions.
These percentages show the potentially significant impact of making energy
efficient choices in our household and transport. Simple lifestyle choices
can reduce a person’s carbon footprint drastically.
1 — Renewable sources of energy
The carbon footprint of a household is reduced to a fraction
by fitting renewable sources of energy. Solar panels and wind turbines
are excellent choices. Some devices over-produce energy and are connected to the
national grid to provide energy for others. The device manufacture can have
a high carbon footprint and it is worth comparing to choose
the right option. Cost and planning permissions can be hurdles but it is certainly
the way of the future.
2 — Electric cars
If one has to drive a car at all, it should be an electric
car. The carbon footprint of electric cars is a fraction of a combustion
equivalent. There is no valid reason why all other cars should not have
been phased out and the motor industry hasn’t devoted itself 100% to the
production of electric cars. Limited choice is an issue at present
but it is a quickly evolving and promising sector.
3 — Public transport
The use of public transport minimises our carbon footprint. For short distances
cycling is a good choice. Within public transport, rail and tube (underground/subway/metro)
are the best choices. Coaches and buses add to congestion and have a relatively
high carbon footprint. Clean combustion technology is being introduced in modern
buses but rail remains the transport with the lowest carbon footprint.