Do you care about the daily impacts you make to earth? Do you try to do small things each day to do your own part in saving or improving the environment? If so, you’re amongst millions of others who also care about the future of our planet. Maybe you feel like you could do more or you want your family members to do more. Here are a few things that you can start doing to help improve your carbon footprint.

Improve Your Home Energy Footprint

Are your energy bills still high month after month, even though you keep things at a steady temperature? The problem could be that your entire home needs a home energy makeover. Some tips on getting started include:

*Having your entire home insulated with rolled, blown-in and spray foam insulation.

*Applying weatherstripping around drafty doors and windows.

*Upgrading your old HVAC system to an eco-friendly model.

*Using a programmable thermostat throughout the year.

*Replacing old air filters in your furnace.

*Install an Energy Star eco-friendly washer and dryer.

*Switching to a tankless hot water heater.

*Installing Energy Star appliances throughout your home.

*Utilizing solar power technology, like products from Enver Solar to help power your home.

*Use eco-friendly light bulbs.

Have an HVAC pro come to your house and perform a home energy audit. This will determine how air flows in and out of your home. It will also be able to pinpoint certain areas where you’re losing energy and losing money. Changing out outdated appliances and upgrading your windows and doors are initial steps you can take to help make your home an energy-saving hub that will bring you more comfort as temps fluctuate year round.

Focus On Your Vehicle

Travel has one of the biggest impacts on your overall carbon footprint. Emissions that are released into the environment are slowly destroying the outer atmosphere of Earth. Every time you fire up the engine on your car, you are slowly releasing exhaust into the air that is harming the environment. This is a result or a shift in the overall climate of the atmosphere.

While the effects are slow and oftentimes hard to recognize, every little bit has a big impact. The best way to help curb this problem and prevent it from growing is to reduce the amount of time you drive on the roads.

One alternative is walking, bike riding or share riding with other friends and co-workers. Using eco-friendly bus or taxi transportation is another healthy alternative. For optimal emission control, choose an electrically powered motor vehicle or an eco-friendly model that burns greener fuel options. The result is reducing your carbon footprint one mile at a time.

Waste Not Want Not

Do you notice that your trash can is overflowing week after week? Are you getting charged for extra bags or a full trash bin? Recycling is beneficial in reducing your trash output, but could you be doing more? It may be time to take a really close look at how you recycle all of the materials in your home. Are there still some things that could be used for something else? Make sure to take as much paper to recycle centers as possible. Take advantage of semi-annual large recycle events that dispose of electronics and tires. Use as many foodstuffs as possible for a compost bin or pile for your backyard. Even if you don’t plan on gardening in the spring, you can still use the compost to improve the quality of the organic materials in your yard, such as grass and in and around the base of trees and shrubs. Also, consider your future impact on the environment after you die. Leave the guesswork out of those final moments. Talking about eco-conscious burial options is something to consider now, so it’s not a burden to your loved ones later.

Water Usage

Installing Energy Star faucets throughout your home is the best way to control water overuse in your home. While its one step in reducing your carbon footprint, you can take it a step further. Start by looking at how much water you use during the summer months. Consider installing a rain barrel or built-in irrigation system that allows you to recycle rainwater to help green your yard. Teach kids to play their small part throughout the day. Some helpful tips to include are:

*When showering, shut the water off while lathering up.

*Shut the water off when brushing your teeth.

*Reduce using the hose frequently to water plants.

Utilizing small water-saving tasks allows them to quickly turn into lifelong habits.

While it may seem like it will take a lot to make a positive environmental impact on Earth, small steps can really go a long way!