Efficiency is prized in many parts of life and living sustainably is no exception. When it comes to everyday actions that create emissions (like heating or lighting our homes and offices and using a car), you can make carbon and cost savings by being more efficient.
Globally personal carbon footprints are around five tonnes, so to halve emissions, we all need to get to 2.5 tonnes by 2030. This means that the time for just taking small steps is over. We need to make bigger shifts, and, as an individual, that means cutting a tonne.
To help you kick off 2023 with a sustainability bang, we’ve put together a guide to cutting a tonne from your personal carbon footprint and to explain the practical actions individuals can take to be on track with the global goal of halving emissions by 2030. One of our recommendations is to live more efficiently.
Heating homes, powering appliances, and driving all release carbon and are the areas where you can get efficient. The less energy you use, the more energy and money you’ll save, as well as money.
How to stay warm at home and work without upping your carbon footprint
As utility bills rocket, many people want to save on heating bills. You can do this and save carbon at the same time. Turning down the thermostat by 1C can save over 5% off your bills every year, and other actions such as draught proofing, smart heating, and turning off radiators in unused rooms can save even more carbon and cost.
If you live in a hot country draught-proofing, smart cooling, and turning off the air-con in unused rooms all have the same carbon-cutting effect. Turn the air con temperature up to save energy and emissions.
Reduce energy and appliances to save money and cut carbon
The appliances we use, the devices we rely on, and the lighting of our homes all add to electricity bills and carbon emissions.
However, there are plenty of ways to cut back, that although small by themselves, add up.
For your appliances, try washing at 30C, and always use the Eco Mode for your dishwasher. Make your fridge is as efficient as possible, and avoid the tumble dryer. Also, make sure you turn off devices and lights when you leave the room to save even more.
Finally, if you are looking to buy a new appliance this year (because your old one is beyond repair) make sure you go for the most efficient appliance possible.
Driving to save money, cut carbon, and reduce pollution
It’s not only at home where you can be more efficient. Driving more efficiently can save 20% on fuel costs as well as cut back on air pollution.
Not idling your car is another way to cut back on wasted energy.
Inspired to do more?
If you’d like to learn how to live more sustainably as individuals, and what being sustainable looks like, then download our guide, ‘Ten Ways to Cut a Tonne’, or get started today with Giki Zero.
The guide though is not just for individuals. It is also for people at companies who see the need to help employees understand climate change and how they can be part of the solutions. If you’d like to help educate and engage your colleagues on sustainability, find out about Giki Zero Pro.
