# Looking to Reduce Your Dependence On Fossil Fuels? Three Tips to Try Today

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/12/reduce-your-dependence-home-fuel-three-tips/
- Published: 2021-12-13T08:12:01-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Let’s talk about fuel for your home. For many people, the sheer size of their overall
carbon footprint isn’t something that generally tends to cross their minds on a 
daily basis. In our single-use, planned obsolescence society, it’s far too easy 
to want to take the more wasteful route in favor of the little extra added convenience
it gives us. However, with the [average American’s consumption](https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/us-energy-facts/)
of fossil fuels currently [hovering](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/toyota-goes-cellulosic-ethanol-fuel-bet/)
at around 79 percent. So it’s more important than ever before to find ways to reduce
our dependence on home fuel. So we can not rely upon these non-renewable resources
and switch to greener ones.

## Making the Change on Home Fuel

Fortunately, making the change to a more sustainable alternative doesn’t necessarily
need to be something that requires a dramatic lifestyle change or a major overhaul
of your existing habits. Even smaller changes can start to add up, leading to much
bigger results in the long run. If you’ve been thinking about going greener – but
you’re not quite sure where to begin – don’t let that hold you back. To help make
it easier for you, here are three surprisingly simple and actionable ways you can
start reducing your excessive usage of these unsustainable fuel sources today.

![Fuel home](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/eelco-
bohtlingk-H9c9HuYfbbc-unsplash.jpg?resize=420%2C280&quality=52&ssl=1)

### **Say Goodbye to Plastics in home**

It’s amazing how plastic has become so commonplace these days. Even though it’s 
only been around for just a hair over a century, it still sneaks its way into nearly
every facet of our lives. Plastic is in almost everything we use, from our food 
packaging to our dinnerware and even to the bags that we use to haul our groceries
home. While phasing out plastic altogether can definitely be difficult, and it won’t
happen overnight, you can still find [plastic-free alternatives](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/06/plastic-free-alternatives-to-everyday-items/)
out there. You just need to know where to look.

For instance, there’s really no need to use disposable plastic (or even paper!) 
bags at the grocery store. Instead, plan ahead and bring your own reusable totes
with you when you go shopping. You’ll want to look for ones that are made of renewable
materials, though, such as cotton or hemp. You should also take a hard look at other
sources of plastic in your life, such as water bottles and drinking straws. Swapping
them out for stainless steel is much more environmentally sound. Even buying your
groceries in bulk can help remove an incredible 163 [million tons of food packaging waste](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/05/fish-waste-report-156-million-pounds-wasted/)
from landfills.

#### **Skip the Joyride with Fuel**

It’s no secret that your automobile is arguably one of the [biggest culprits](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/08/a-five-step-program-for-ending-our-oil-addiction/)
when it comes to fossil fuels. As it stands, transportation accounts for greater
than 70 percent of all of the [oil](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/02/do-oil-and-gas-cause-chronic-health-issues/)
consumption in the country. In addition, more than 65 percent of that is caused 
by personal vehicles. It’s not reasonable to expect you to ditch your car outright.
However, there are still other ways you can get from Point A to Point B. More pleasant
and beneficial options are taking a walk or riding your bike. 

It’s a fantastic way to get a little bit of cardiovascular exercise while saving
you a bit of money in the long run. With fuel prices steadily creeping upward, just
a short jaunt across town is going to seriously ding you at the pump. If your destination
is fairly close, why not choose to walk or ride your bike? This can be a great family
activity, too, allowing you to connect with your loved ones while running errands.
If you have to go more than just a mile or two, or the weather is inclement, taking
public transit may be your next best option.

#### **Rethink Your Home Fuel**

Your home is likely a massive fuel glutton, even if you don’t think you’re being
overly wasteful. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average
household used a staggering 893 kilowatt-hours per month. Moreover, to the tune 
of nearly 11,000 kWh annually. To put that into perspective, it takes nearly 1.13
pounds of coal, 0.08 gallons of petroleum liquids (such as gasoline and oil), and
7.43 cubic feet of natural gas to produce just one kWh of electricity. Over the 
span of a year, it’s no small sum being used just to power your home.

Because of this, finding [new ways to capture energy](https://alternativesustainability.com/)
is critical. Solar energy is growing in popularity. However, [wind energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/04/india-gw-wind-energy-milestone-for-sustainability/)
is quickly proving to be the more affordable and sustainable option in the long 
run. Of course, remodeling your home to make it greener can be an investment. It’s
going to take time to transform it into a more environmentally conscious residence.
In the meantime, there are basic things you can do to [reduce](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/05/westchester-county-ny-alternatives-to-new-fracked-gas-pipeline/)
your usage of fossil fuels, like turning off the lights when you’re not in a room
and unplugging devices that aren’t in use. Even switching to Energy Star-approved
appliances can still make a considerable impact.

#### Lets all Recycle Plastic more

As a society, it’s our collective duty to do what we can to help preserve the planet.
That means reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Despite the incredible strides
made in recent years, there is still more that needs to be done. At our current 
rate of consumption, it’s only a matter of time before we drain Mother Earth. Not
only the fuels she offers to us but also a habitable place to live, too. But by 
making these changes today, we can continue to enjoy the blue marble we call our
home. Not only tomorrow – but also in the many years ahead of us, as well.

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

 [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [  ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)