Even though the term “carbon footprint” didn't really exist until the late '90s, it is now familiar to nearly all of us. But what does the phrase actually mean? And why should it matter to us? We can be engaged with the concept of sustainability but still need some guidance on what actions we can take to make a difference.
Most of us already know that our lifestyles, from the food we eat to the way we travel, all increase the effect of global warming. However, it is not always easy to know which aspects have the most impact. This is where technology can really help us, for example, using a carbon footprint calculator to identify which areas we can improve.
Greenhouse effect
A carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon dioxide and methane gases we generate through our actions. When these “greenhouse“ gases become trapped in the earth’s atmosphere, they literally warm up the globe. By chopping down forests, increasing the number of cattle bred for meat consumption, and burning fossil fuels, we are increasing the amount of gases that are produced.
Whilst we have a responsibility as individuals to do what we can to reduce our own carbon footprints, we also expect companies to do the same. Big brands are aware of this, and whether because they are ethically minded, or simply because they have an eye on their profit margins, many are already taking steps to reduce their footprints and go neutral.
Reduce, reuse, recycle
A climate goal for many companies is to offset their carbon footprint so that they are effectively carbon neutral. Some focus on investing in reforestation or supporting farmers in using regenerative methods. However, what makes the greatest difference is being able to reduce the level of CO2 emissions they produce, and companies like Microsoft and Google achieve this by using renewable energies.
As well as using renewable energy, companies can use recycled components in their products and reduce the amount of material used to make packaging. Simply by incorporating the three R’s — reduce, reuse, and recycle — Apple has managed to reduce its carbon footprint by 35%. Let’s take a look at how we can use technology to do the same in our own homes.
Save energy
One advantage of many energy-saving devices on the market is that they will also save you money. You may not realise it, but a lot of appliances are still using energy even when they’re in standby mode. By using a smart power strip, you can turn them off using your phone. This allows you to save energy and money wherever you are.
Another easy and affordable change you can make is swapping from traditional to smart light bulbs. Smart bulbs can reduce up to 80% of your energy consumption compared to an ordinary bulb. Even though the initial cost of the bulb is higher, your energy bills will be much lower and result in long-term savings. All this for the minimum of effort.
Smart sustainability
It’s not just smart bulbs and smart power strips either. You can now buy smart fridges that will let you know when your food expires. Smart dishwashers can save you energy and money by scheduling a wash at an off-peak time. Energy-efficient washing machines are great savers of electricity, and smart thermostats optimise the energy used in heating and cooling your home.
Check your supplier
Many of us rely on fossil fuels to supply energy to our homes, but your energy company may provide more sustainable options than the one you currently use. It’s worth asking them — or even looking for a supplier with greener credentials. And how about looking into grants for solar panels? More and more people are using them as an energy source.
Driving down fuel emissions
You may already try to use public transport or get to places on foot, but sometimes using a car is the only option. When you can’t avoid using a car, there are lots of ways you can reduce your fuel emissions. Firstly, use cruise control to maintain a steady speed; constant accelerating and braking increase the amount of emissions you produce.
Other ways to keep your emissions low are to properly inflate your tires, avoid traffic whenever possible, and travel light. Apart from these practical tips, tech can help reduce costs and emissions even further through a fuel usage app. These apps will analyse all aspects of your trip, including engine idle time, speeds, and routes to help you optimise your fuel consumption.
Can technology and sustainability really go together?
We may once have seen sustainability as a return to nature, and technology as a step in the opposite direction. However, the examples above should show that this is not actually the case, and that smart devices can actually assist us with our green goals. Why not calculate your own carbon footprint and see what steps you can take towards going neutral.
