5 Ways to Live a Carbon Neutral Life

Aiming to reduce your carbon footprint is a bold move towards changing our planet for the better. If you're looking to reduce your impact on the environment but are unsure of where to get started, here are a few steps to point you in the right direction.

Go Solar

Reducing your energy consumption, in general, is a good way to begin on your journey towards a more carbon-neutral life. But no matter how much effort you make to turn off lights, use energy-efficient appliances, and create less waste, it's nearly impossible to get rid of all energy consumption in your life. That is why it's a great idea to harness renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. Using renewable energy cuts back on fossil fuel usage, which means less carbon enters our atmosphere. There are many options for powering your home with solar energy, and technology is becoming more efficient as more people strive to make their homes greener. In addition, the cost of going solar keeps plummeting, meaning it's great for your bottom line in both the short and long term. However, if going solar isn’t in your budget, you may be able to sign up for a renewable energy plan in your area.

Change Your Diet

You've probably heard that a plant-based diet is good for your health, but it's good for the planet too. Meat, specifically lamb and beef, is not efficient to produce. Cutting red meat out of your diet creates less waste and is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, though keep in mind that cows produce dairy, too. Like the cattle industry, the dairy industry creates a massive amount of waste, but not to worry. Cutting back your consumption of these foods makes room for a lot of other delicious options that are great for your body and the Earth.

Take Transit 

Getting rid of your car and finding alternative modes of transportation is great for the environment. Public transit, biking, or carpooling are all options you can consider. But if it's really not possible for you to get rid of your car, plan your trips out so that you can hit multiple destinations along your route whenever possible. This way, you can take fewer trips without losing out.

Avoid Flying

Eliminating air travel is one of the biggest ways you can reduce your carbon footprint. A single flight, especially a transatlantic one, can emit as much carbon as a person makes in an entire year. Since a, you can do your part by ditching the plane and taking a car, train, or other transportation whenever possible. And if you do have to fly, try taking one long trip instead of a few shorter ones every year, and always go for economy seats!

Carbon Offsets Can Help

If eliminating air travel isn't an option for you, carbon offset programs can help. Use a carbon offset calculator to calculate how much carbon your flight emits, and then purchase carbon offsets from a reputable carbon offset provider to neutralize your carbon footprint. Your purchase of a carbon offset helps improve the environment by funding carbon reduction projects that avoid or reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere.

While carbon offsets are popular for those who want to lessen the impact of flying, offsets are available to counteract other aspects of your daily carbon footprint as well. You can calculate your personal impact on the environment and use carbon offsets to improve conservation efforts worldwide. If you're interested in how carbon offsets help the planet and how you can get started on a path towards a more carbon-neutral life, Green Mountain offsets can help you buy carbon offsets.