How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint | Sustainability Ti… — Transcript

In this video, we're going to share four ways you can reduce your environmental footprint.

But first, what is your footprint?

Your footprint is made up of all the things you do that impact the planet, that includes the food you eat, the energy you use, the things you buy, the way you travel, all of it.

Now, you can calculate how big your footprint is using our footprint calculator.

But for now, let's get cracking.

Number one.

Change what you eat.

A large proportion, around a quarter of all of our greenhouse gas emissions come from our food system.

Meat and dairy have a much higher carbon footprint than plant-based food.

So, one of the best things you can do for our planet and to reduce your footprint is to adopt a more plant-based diet.

So, eating a healthy and balanced diet that consists of more varieties of vegetables.

Beans and grains is one of the greatest ways you can reduce your footprint.

And if you do eat meat and fish, then look out for more sustainable sources.

As these tend to have a much lower environmental footprint than intensive farming.

Consider buying locally and seasonally.

And try not to waste the food that you do buy.

Globally, around a quarter of all food that's bought isn't eaten.

And this contributes 8 to 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions.

So, think about that next time you see an old bag of salad in the fridge.

Number two.

Change what you buy.

A pretty good mantra to live by is reduce.

Reuse.

Recycle.

Every product you buy has a life cycle.

So, consider buying things that are actually built to last.

And consider thrifting or buying second-hand where you can.

Another great way of trying to reduce your footprint is to check out labels and signs for sustainably sourced products.

On paper, that's the FSC logo.

And once you've finished using a product, check to see if it can be recycled.

Rather than sent to landfill.

Products sent to landfill are responsible for harmful toxins being released and greenhouse gas emissions.

These take centuries to break down, so what might seem convenient in the moment only builds up problems for future generations.

Number three.

Change how you travel.

Traveling often takes up a significant proportion of a person's footprint.

Consider traveling by train or cycling instead of taking the car to reduce your emissions.

Reducing flying can also have a huge impact on your footprint.

Recent times have shown us you don't need to travel far to have great experiences.

So, consider holidaying in the UK or consider taking the train or a boat to your destination instead.

If flying is your only option, then carbon offsetting using credible and accredited scheme.

Look out for gold standard accredited projects.

Number four.

Switch to clean energy.

The energy we use in our homes are responsible for more than 20% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the UK.

So, switching to a renewable energy provider is a great way to reduce your footprint and support the green economy.

Simple things like switching off your lights when you're not in the room and not leaving devices on standby.

Have a great way to reduce your footprint.

We know now more than ever how connected we all are.

How our actions impact the people around us.

And how their actions impact us.

So, while individual actions like switching to more sustainable habits in your everyday life might seem small.

Actually, collectively, they make all the difference in the world.

Doing what you can to reduce your footprint, talking to friends and family about it.

Calling for policy change.

It all adds up.

And before long, you're part of a movement of people that governments and businesses simply can't ignore.

And when that happens, businesses are forced to reduce their footprints and governments bring in laws that make it easier for businesses and individuals to reduce their footprints too.

And it all begins with a single step.

There's even an app for that.

Check out WWF's My Footprint app.

Which breaks down your footprint into simple challenges that you can take on.

Join a community of people who are also doing their bit to live more sustainably.

And discover how you can make a difference one step at a time.

Link in the description below.

So, that's it for today's video.

We hope you enjoyed and you found it informative.

So, make sure you subscribe so you never miss a video.