27 tips to reduce your carbon footprint

The following is a list of simple, smart tips which can help you reduce your carbon footprint. Help stop global warming, and make a greater impact by following more than just a few.

• Change your regular light bulbs to LED (light emitting diode) or CFL (compact florescent) light bulbs. LED and CFL's use less energy, contain less toxic ingredients and last a very long time.
• Try buying your groceries locally; this way you are buying products which are produced using the very least amount of energy. This helps reduce your carbon footprint.
• Try using rechargeable batteries.
• Avoid "phantom loads" (electrical equipment that still uses energy even after turned off) by using a power strip.
• Start recycling newspaper, magazines, plastic, glass and cardboard.
• Invest in a car with good gas mileage.
• Try to avoid patio heaters.
• Start car-pooling from work if possible.
• Try to avoid peek driving hours to reduce your commute time and gas consumption.
• Start using a compost bin to recycle the waste from your kitchen and garden.
• Filter your own water instead of buying a fridge that does it for you.
• Clean the lint filter of your dryer and furnace. You can save a lot of money as less electricity is wasted with dirty filters.
• Turn off the tv when not being watched.
• Use your own mug when you go into a coffee shop, instead of using one of the paper cups they provide.
• Start using a clothesline to dry your clothes when the weather is appropriate.
• Only use your dryer and dishwasher when they are full.
• Plant trees.
• Open up your windows during the summer and start depending less on air conditioning.
• Purchase reusable bags to carry your groceries in.
• Reduce your consumption of red meat, as cows and forest clearing for cow pastures generate significant amounts of CO2.
• Turn off and unplug any electrical devices when they are not being used.
• Turn off the lights when leaving a room.
• Use solar powered lights when you can.
• Save paper! Use cloth to clean.
• Use the internet to read the news instead of purchasing a newspaper every day.
• Invest in a laptop instead of a desktop as they use up less energy.
• Try to install double-pane windows..
• Keep your car tires inflated to the recommended pressures to save gas.
• Try using a programmable thermostat and regulate the heating/ cooling of your home to use less energy.