Tips to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint At Home
The carbon footprint is the overall amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced annually by a person, family, building, organisation, or company. It encompasses greenhouse gas emissions from fuel that is burned directly, such as heating a home or traveling in a car. It also accounts for greenhouse gases that result from producing the goods or services used, such as power plant emissions that generate electricity, factories that produce products, and landfills to which trash is sent.
Reducing emissions from burning fossil fuels and other emission sources improves air quality, which is good for human health. It contributes to a cleaner, greener, safer, and healthier world. Cutting fuel use for home heating is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
All Gone Rubbish Removals minimises the ecological footprint of waste by sorting and recycling as many materials as possible. We ensure the quantity reduction of recyclables sent to landfills and work with recycling facilities to assure that items within the recyclable category can be reused or repurposed.
What Is a Household Carbon Footprint?
The household carbon footprint includes direct and indirect carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gases from household activities. Direct emissions come from energy consumed in the home, such as coal, transport, and electricity.
On the other hand, indirect emissions are attributed to the household's production and consumption of goods and services. This also includes the energy embodied in the production chain from the production plant to the transport of food grown in another part of the country, imported clothing, and more.
The average Australian household of 2.6 people emits about 15 to 20 tonnes of CO2e per year. However, according to the United Nations, to restrict global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2050, per-person emissions should be limited to 2 tonnes of CO2e annually. Household emissions contribute 20% of Australia’s carbon footprint.
Tips for Reducing Home Carbon Emissions
Households can reduce their carbon footprint in several ways. These steps can significantly impact the environment and encourage a more sustainable way of living. A few tactics that can help include:
Using Less Energy
To reduce energy consumption, turn off lights and appliances when not using them. Use energy-saving LED downlight bulbs and upgrade to energy-efficient appliances.
In winter, open curtains on south-facing windows during the day to let sunlight naturally warm your home and close them at night to reduce any chill you might sense from cold windows.
GreenPower vs Grid Electricity
GreenPower is powered by renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, eligible biomass, and low-impact small hydroelectric sources. These fuels replenish quickly and are not depleted.
Grid electricity is produced from a combination of resources and technologies. Traditional sources like natural gas, oil, coal, and nuclear power account for most electricity generation.
Reduce Rubbish and Recycle More Effectively
Landfills emit methane due to the anaerobic decomposition of organic waste materials. Landfill gas (LFG) is produced when organic wastes, such as food scraps, wood, paper, and garden waste degrade in an oxygen-free environment, with a significant portion being made of methane and carbon dioxide.
Alternatives to decontaminating the natural environment from organic waste include donating unused items, properly separating recyclables, and using local recycling centres.
All Gone Rubbish Removals removes everything from old furniture, electronic waste (e-waste), and general household junk. We recycle most household or commercial junk daily, minimising environmental damage.
We provide same-day rubbish removal services across Sydney, the Central Coast, Gosford, Newcastle, and the Gold Coast. Call us today at 0420 102 118 for your area's best-priced rubbish removal service!
Minimise Food Waste
Food waste that decays in landfills emits a powerful greenhouse gas, methane, and other hazardous by-products. Liquid from rotting food scraps can leach into the soil and eventually mix with groundwater, potentially contaminating water for consumption.
To help minimise methane or landfill emissions, it’s best to plan meals and shop smartly, compost food scraps, store food correctly, and donate extra non-perishables.
Choose Eco-Friendly Transport Options
Using eco-friendly transport options can greatly minimise your home carbon footprint by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Sustainable transportation includes walking, biking, using public transit, carpooling, and using electric cars, all of which help to create a more environmentally friendly and healthy air quality.
Australia is marching towards reducing carbon emissions from the transport sector, the country’s third-largest emitter, by adopting electric vehicles (EVs). The government targets the transport sector by encouraging EV adoption with the National Electric Vehicle Strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 43% below 2005 levels by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.
Smarter Water Usage
Water treatment and transportation are energy-intensive and result in carbon emissions. The average carbon footprint of drinking 1 m3 of water is 10.5 kg of carbon dioxide emitted.
This can subsequently reduce energy usage and the carbon emissions accompanying it by using water better and minimising waste. You can use low-flow fixtures, repair leaks, take shorter showers or use rainwater tanks for gardening and watering plants.
Energy-Saving Home Upgrades
Energy-saving home upgrades can significantly reduce the carbon footprint at home by lowering energy consumption and promoting sustainability. These upgrades include insulation, sealing drafts, using solar panels and double-glazed windows.
The Australian government offers many incentives in conjunction with the Household Energy Upgrades Fund, Home Energy Support Program, and Victorian Energy Upgrades programmes. These efforts aim to lower energy consumption, cut carbon emissions, and assist property owners in embracing green home practices.
Choose Sustainable Products and Habits
Conscious and deliberate decisions about products and habits can reduce your carbon footprint. Sustainable living means opting for products that come in reusable packaging to reduce waste. Likewise, look for green products that are responsibly sourced and ethically made. Buy products from companies that practice environmental responsibility and, wherever possible, use reusable items rather than single-use products.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the average household carbon footprint in Australia?
The average Aussie household of around 2.6 people emits between 15 and 20 tonnes of CO2e annually.
2. What’s the easiest way to start reducing my emissions?
Simple ways to help reduce your emissions include using more energy-efficient appliances and fixtures, reducing food waste, and choosing transportation wisely.
3. Does recycling actually make a difference?
Yes, recycling reduces carbon emissions while conserving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also minimises the extraction of virgin raw material and diverts waste from landfills.
4. Is composting better than throwing food in the bin?
Yes, composting is generally better than throwing food waste in the bin, as it cuts methane emissions from landfills, retrieves valuable nutrients and improves soil health.
5. Can a rubbish removal service help me be more sustainable?
Yes, rubbish removal services can help you be more sustainable by ensuring your unwanted items are sorted, recycled, or donated properly, reducing landfill waste and promoting resource conservation.
Driven by a passion for helping customers achieve clutter-free spaces, All Gone Rubbish Removals has become a go-to resource for waste management, featuring over 100 expert articles on rubbish removal and sustainability. Aaron’s dedication to efficiency and customer satisfaction ensures his business remains a leader in the industry.
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