{"id":6275,"date":"2021-11-28T08:27:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-28T08:27:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.portal.solar.com\/learn\/how-to-implement-sustainable-living-into-your-daily-routine\/"},"modified":"2022-11-11T00:15:52","modified_gmt":"2022-11-11T00:15:52","slug":"how-to-implement-sustainable-living-into-your-daily-routine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solar.com\/learn\/how-to-implement-sustainable-living-into-your-daily-routine\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Implement Sustainable Living Into Your Daily Routine"},"content":{"rendered":"

Since the mid-20th century, Earth\u2019s climate has been warming at an unprecedented rate. According to the <\/span>Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change<\/a> (IPCC), there is at least a 95 percent probability that this is the result of human activity.<\/span><\/p>\n

The heat-trapping nature of <\/span>carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases<\/span><\/a> is the main driver in this warming trend. Shrinking ice sheets, global temperature rise, decreased snow cover, sea level rise, warming oceans, extreme natural disasters, and ocean acidification are all sources of evidence for this warming.<\/span><\/p>\n

The issue of climate change may be an overwhelming subject for an individual to address, but there are many tools and resources to help one understand and manage their personal impact. A key component of sustainable living is the reduction of one\u2019s <\/span>carbon footprint<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a Carbon Footprint?<\/h2>\n

In the field of <\/span>environmental science<\/span><\/a>, an individual\u2019s carbon footprint represents the total amount of carbon dioxide, methane, and other harmful emissions that result from their unique lifestyle. CO2 and methane are the two most harmful for the environment and as a result, can be used to adequately evaluate one\u2019s impact.<\/span><\/p>\n

Carbon footprint calculators<\/span><\/a> take into account factors such as location, income, transportation, energy use in the home, waste, and others. These calculators are widely available and are useful in the effort to implement sustainable living into one\u2019s routine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Learning about your carbon footprint is the first step in living sustainably. With increased awareness comes a clear understanding of how to approach the future.<\/span><\/p>\n

Implementing Sustainable Living<\/h2>\n

There are several ways to implement sustainable living into your daily routine. An easy way to break it down is by focusing on three main areas of your life:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Transportation<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Consumption (food and energy)<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Waste production<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Transportation<\/h2>\n

    According to a study done by the Harvard Health Watch, the average American drives for 101 minutes per day. That is a total of over 614 hours per year. The emissions from diesel and gasoline engines include many harmful <\/span>greenhouse gasses<\/span><\/a>, all of which have significant environmental impacts. Although it may not be practical for everyone to take public transport or ride a bicycle, the simple reduction of one\u2019s daily driving can have significant impacts on the collective level.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Energy and Food Consumption<\/h2>\n

    Sustainable living techniques are easily applicable in the area of consumption. First, let\u2019s focus on energy.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The average consumption of electricity for a U.S. household in 2016 was <\/span>897-kilowatt hours (kWh) per month<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Approximately 65%<\/span><\/a> of the electricity generated in the United States in 2016 came from fossil fuels (natural gas, coal, and petroleum). The energy stored in fossil fuels gets converted into electricity through various methods. Ultimately, this process leads to even more harmful emissions. Therefore, to start mitigating one\u2019s environmental impact, it is important to minimize the amount of electricity being used in the household.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Check this video to find out what is a kilowatt hour.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n