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What can be Done to Reduce Carbon Emissions?

M.R. Anglin
M.R. Anglin

There are several things that can be done to reduce carbon emissions, and most of them are not overly inconvenient or difficult. Reducing carbon emissions just takes a little change in our habits and lifestyles. Some of the things we can all do to reduce carbon emissions is to make sure our cars and appliances are energy efficient. It will also help to turn off things when you leave the room. In addition, setting your thermostat according to the seasons can help to reduce carbon emissions.

Cars are one of the most notorious carbon emitters. Therefore, if you want to reduce carbon emissions, then you should make sure your car is fuel efficient. A fuel-efficient car will use less fuel, meaning it will produce less waste, and will go father on a tank of gas. One way to make sure your car is as efficient as it can be is to simply get a tune-up. If you are looking for a new car, choose one that is more fuel-efficient than your old one—a simple task for most with all the developments of more fuel efficient models.

A programmable thermostat can reduce energy consumption.
A programmable thermostat can reduce energy consumption.

Another thing you can do is join a carpool. If you are carpooling to work, school, or anywhere else, it means that one less car is traveling on the road. One less car means less emissions is being spewed into the atmosphere. In addition to being able to reduce carbon emissions, carpooling can be fun. You just need to make sure you like the people you are carpooling with.

Carpooling can help reduce CO2 emissions.
Carpooling can help reduce CO2 emissions.

Replacing an old appliance is another good way to reduce carbon emissions. New models of appliances tend to be more energy efficient than their older counterparts. Since making electricity can result in carbon emissions being released into the air, getting fuel efficient appliances can help reduce those emissions. Some countries rate appliances on fuel efficiency, making it easier for consumers to choose one that is right for their needs. Energy-efficient appliances can also help to reduce energy bills.

Unplugging televisions and other devices operated by remote controls can reduce carbon emissions.
Unplugging televisions and other devices operated by remote controls can reduce carbon emissions.

If you leave a room, turning off an appliance will also help to reduce energy use. This can be as simple as flipping a switch or plugging out the power cord. It should be noted that some appliances, like computers, televisions, and digital versatile disc players (DVDs), do not turn completely off when the power switch is pressed. Devices that use remote controls, for instance, still consume energy when turned off in order to respond when their remote’s button is pressed. In cases like those, consider plugging out the appliance for maximum energy reduction.

Improving fuel efficiency can reduce carbon emissions.
Improving fuel efficiency can reduce carbon emissions.

In the hot days of summer or the cold days of winter, an air conditioning or heater can be a literal lifesaver. Unfortunately, our comfort can also waste energy and increase carbon emissions. Turn up your air conditioning a few degrees than you normally do in the summer and turn it down a few degrees in the winter. When your heater or air conditioning is working less, you will be using less energy. Not only will that reduce carbon emissions but also your energy bills.

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    • A programmable thermostat can reduce energy consumption.
      By: Bill Bradford
      A programmable thermostat can reduce energy consumption.
    • Carpooling can help reduce CO2 emissions.
      By: trekandshoot
      Carpooling can help reduce CO2 emissions.
    • Unplugging televisions and other devices operated by remote controls can reduce carbon emissions.
      By: SeanPavonePhoto
      Unplugging televisions and other devices operated by remote controls can reduce carbon emissions.
    • Improving fuel efficiency can reduce carbon emissions.
      By: Robert Wilson
      Improving fuel efficiency can reduce carbon emissions.
    • Car exhaust still produces a large amount of the air pollution in the U.S.
      By: Wrangler
      Car exhaust still produces a large amount of the air pollution in the U.S.