Tips to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint At Home
Every year, individuals, families, buildings, organisations, and companies produce greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in a carbon footprint. Some of the factors that contribute to the harmful emissions include heating a home, travelling in a car, and producing goods or power plants that generate electricity.
Reducing emissions from burning fossil fuels and other emission sources improves air quality and promotes good health. It contributes to a cleaner, greener, safer, and healthier world.
All Gone Rubbish Removals minimises the ecological footprint of waste through sorting and recycling. We work with recycling facilities to ensure 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 connected with the household's production and consumption of goods and services. This also includes the energy presented 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. The United Nations noted that, to restrict global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2050, per-person emissions should be limited to 2 tonnes of CO2e annually. Do you know that household emissions contribute 20% of Australia’s carbon footprint?
Tips for Reducing Home Carbon Emissions
Households can reduce their carbon footprint in several ways, which can significantly impact the environment. Besides, it can encourage a more sustainable way of living. A few approaches 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 warm your home. Close them at night to reduce or prevent any chill.
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.
A combination of resources and technologies produces grid electricity. It uses traditional sources like natural gas, oil, coal, and nuclear power to generate energy.
Reduce Rubbish and Recycle More Effectively
Landfills release 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. They emit a significant portion of methane and carbon dioxide.
Donating unused items, properly separating recyclables, and using local recycling centres help minimise organic waste from polluting the environment.
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 0427 783 277 for your area's best-priced rubbish removal service!
Minimise Food Waste
Food waste that decays in landfills causes greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane, and other hazardous by-products. Additionally, liquid from rotting food scraps can leach into the soil and eventually mix with groundwater, contaminating water for consumption.
Planning meals and shopping smartly can minimise methane or landfill emissions. You can also compost food scraps, store food correctly, and donate extra non-perishable items.
Choose Eco-Friendly Transport Options
Use eco-friendly transport options to reduce your home carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels. You can walk, ride a bike, use public transit, carpool, or use an electric car, creating a more environmentally friendly and healthier air quality.
Australia is marching towards reducing carbon emissions from the transport sector by adopting electric vehicles (EVs). The government is 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 consume a lot of energy 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 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 a home’s carbon footprint 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, including the Household Energy Upgrades Fund, Home Energy Support Program, and Victorian Energy Upgrades programmes. These efforts lower energy consumption, cut carbon emissions, and assist property owners in adopting green home practices.
Choose Sustainable Products and Habits
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 instead of 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. It reduces methane emissions from landfills, recovers 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. It helps reduce landfill waste and promotes 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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