9 Free Things You Can Do To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

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The climate movement is sometimes accused of being elitist. Spending extra to offset your carbon credits, when you can afford to fly. Purchasing organic fruits and veggies from the farmers market. The choice between cheap fast fashion and more expensive, sustainably produced clothes. Yes, there are lots of expensive (in-the-short-term) things you can do to help reduce your own climate impact. However, there are also lots of cheap things you can do. Things that have just as big an impact, however might not be as ‘gramable. 

Here are 9 things you can do today that will have a positive effect on reducing your climate impact.

Use Ecosia

Google has become so synonymous with search it’s almost lost its trademark. Search, and all other internet activities, have an almost invisible carbon footprint. Storing things in the cloud, searching, streaming… we don’t see any of this or the energy used. We might see our broadband or cellphone usage and we do have to charge our devices, but what else is going on behind the scenes?

That’s where switching to Ecosia comes in. It’s more than CO2 neutral, doesn’t sell your search data and they plant a tree for every 45 searches you do. It’s built on Microsoft’s Bing search software, so it’s not some little start-up that doesn’t do search well plus you get added benefits. 

I’ve been using it for a month or so as my default search engine for the browser on my laptop and with the app on my phone. Occasionally I don’t get the results I’m looking for, but that’s rare. And there’s a little ticker in the corner telling me how many searches I’ve done. Watching it increase and knowing that’s going to reforesting some of the places that need it the most is empowering.

Educate Yourself

If you’re reading this, you’ve got access to the internet, which means YouTube, other blogs and podcasts. You’ve probably got a Netflix account or Audible. Yes, you’ve got to pay for access to the internet and Netflix, but once you’ve got them you can use those doorways into the world of knowledge. And there’s a lot of it out there. 

Asking a few questions can lead you down some rabbit holes. You’ll probably find some people that are explaining things really clearly. You’ll also find some people that are making tenuous links between occurrences, verging on conspiracy theories. Take everything with a grain of salt and look for some trusted sources. Test out ideas with people on either side and see what you can learn about their arguments.

This sort of curiosity might not lead to concrete answers. I still am confused about the environmental impact of Bitcoin mining, as both sides seem to make good arguments. But this discerning approach will help you learn more and think a little more deeply about your actions.

Check Out Your Local Library

I love reading. I read a lot. I love holding a book in my hands. However, if I tried to buy every book I wanted to read (I currently have 150 on my To Read list) it would cost a lot. And I probably have some rubbish on there that’s not worth buying.

Instead, I have a library card. I’m more than happy reading digitally, so I actually use my local library app to borrow digital copies. And I love it. That little notification telling me the book I’ve been waiting months to read is finally ready makes me so happy. Also, having a deadline (after four weeks they get automatically returned) means I have to get stuck in and get reading. No more procrastination. Also, no more late fees because I forgot to take my books back.

So whether you love real books, digital on-the-go books or want to listen while you commute, check out your local library. It’s the ultimate sharing economy. Rather than having to own more stuff, you’re making sure that everyone continues to have access to great books. 

Buy Less Stuff

Going green doesn’t mean throwing out what you own and buying more sustainable versions. Sure, when you go to replace your frypan, trousers or car, you probably want to think about whether there’s a more ethically and sustainably produced version of it. But start with buying less. 

Do you need that many clothes? Do you really need another set of mugs in the kitchen? Now, of course, there are exceptions. I love the Marie Kondo method of looking at what sparks joy. If for you that’s fashion or books or candles, then sure invest in good quality versions of the things that make you happy. But we all need to consume less, so think about what doesn’t spark joy and buy less of that to balance things out.

You don’t have to go full minimalist, but see if there are parts of your life where you can apply the Less Is More mantra. I’ve definitely found the less stuff I have, the happier I am. Everything feels a little less cluttered. Check out this book by the Minimalists for a bit of inspiration.

Walk, Cycle, Bus

Unless you’ve got an electric car that’s powered by a green grid, you’re releasing carbon dioxide each time you turn the key. And a lot of our trips are short or could be completed faster using shared forms of transport.

Switching to walking, cycling or public transport has a host of benefits. First up, you could be moving your body rather than being static in your car. A win for health. Secondly, if you live somewhere with bus lanes you’re likely to be whizzing by cars stuck in gridlock. And you won’t have to pay for fuel or parking once you get where you’re going. 

I gave up my car a year ago. We were soon going to be moving to an apartment with one car park and no on-street parking. So my boyfriend and I really needed to get rid of the second car. And it’s been a great enforcer of using alternative means of getting around. I know when I had a car parked outside, it becomes the default because it’s convenient. But I actually love walking around my city and neighbourhood so being forced/encouraged out of my car has had a lot of benefits.

Some Quick Wins

Hang Your Laundry

This one can be space and weather dependant. But if you live somewhere with sunshine and a bit of space, it’s going to save you on your electricity bill (which means lowering your carbon footprint at the same time).

Short, Sharp Showers

You’re paying for hot water, no matter how efficient your system is. Reducing the temperature and length of your showers means consuming less power and water, a double win for those areas beginning to experience inconsistent rainfall.

Vote

We need individual actions. But we also need regulation, policy decisions and leadership. Your vote matters as do your neighbours. If you live somewhere where you’re lucky enough to be able to, exercise your civic duty.

Clean Up

If you live near a beach, river or forest, spending time cleaning it up will help protect the ecosystem, stop animals eating or getting tangled in our trash and you’ll stop it from ending up in the ocean. You can do this as a team, by yourself or with a friend. Every little bit helps.