How to reduce your carbon footprint – 20 top tips - FutureLearn (2024)

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we’re facing as a species. Human activity over the last 200 years has meant that we’re standing on the brink of an environmental disaster.

Yet, there are still things we can do to minimise the damage, and reducing our carbon footprint is one such action. We take a look at what this means, what steps you can take, and whether your individual carbon footprint is important in the grand scheme of things.

In a nutshell

You can minimise your carbon footprint and help the environment in many different ways. Whether at home, work, school, or while you travel, small changes can add up. In brief, to reduce your carbon footprint, you’ll want to do things like reduce the amount of energy you use, eat fewer animal products, shop locally, travel smart, and reduce your waste.

If you’re curious to learn more about the causes and impacts of climate change, as well as some potential solutions, check out our online climate change courses.

Tips to reduce carboon footprint

1. Insulate your home

2. Switch to renewables

3. Buy energy efficient

4. Use less water

5. Change your diet

6. Turn off the lights

7. Go digital

8. Cycle to work

These are just a few of our top tips. You’ll find full details on these tips further down, along with plenty other useful tips for reducing carbon footprint. First, let’s find out more about what the term means and why it’s so significant.

What is a carbon footprint?

Let’s start by looking at a carbon footprint definition. It’s a phrase that’s often used when talking about the environment and climate change, but it’s one that’s not always understood.

What’s more, there are often other definitions you need to know to get the necessary context. We’ve highlighted the carbon footprint meaning and some definitions of other key terms we’ll cover in this post below.

• Carbon footprint. A measure of the total amount of greenhouse gasses released into the atmosphere as a result of an individual’s, organisation’s, or nation’s actions. It’s usually measured in tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent).
• Greenhouse gases (GHG). Any type of gas in the atmosphere that blocks heat from escaping. In relation to your carbon footprint and climate change, the main ones to mention are carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane.
• The greenhouse effect. The process through which GHGs in the Earth’s atmosphere trap heat from the sun. Although this is a natural phenomenon that keeps the planet habitable, our GHG emissions are causing the Earth to warm up at an unnatural rate.
• Climate change. A pattern of long-term change in the temperature and weather patterns either globally or regionally. Although these alterations occur naturally, man-made climate change is rapidly accelerating the pace of them.
• Global warming. The rapid increase in average surface temperatures on Earth caused by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. It is just one element of climate change.
• Fossil fuels. Natural resources that produce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses when burnt. Coal, oil and natural gas are all examples.

As we’ll see, these terms are all closely linked to the idea of a carbon footprint. What’s more, individuals, organisations, and nations can all do their bit to take responsibility for many of these factors.

The average carbon footprint

So, what is the average carbon footprint? In reality, this question is a little tricky to answer. It really depends on which averages you’re talking about, whether for a person, a business, or a country. Even then, there are many different factors that contribute to an entity’s carbon footprint.

Measuring CO2 emissions

There are plenty of studies and evidence out there that show average levels of carbon emissions. However, a lot of the data published by governments focuses on territorial emissions. Essentially, this refers to the greenhouse gases produced within a nation. In the UK, for example, 2022 data shows annual emissions of 331.5 million tonnes of CO2e, down 48.7% since 1990.

This data seems encouraging. However, when it comes to the total carbon footprint, there are other factors to consider. Consumption emission data takes into account who is responsible for the emissions, no matter where they’re produced.

So, we have to take into account the story behind the emissions. For example, if a person in the UK buys a device produced in China, the emissions involved in producing, shipping, and using the device are attributed to the UK. Obviously, this is harder to measure but is perhaps a better indicator overall.

Global averages of carbon emissions

If you’re wondering how much CO2 the average person emits, there are figures out there. One source is Our World in Data, which allows you to look at per-capita CO2 emissions. We’ve outlined data from just a few countries as an example.

It’s worth noting that this 2021 data focuses on territorial emissions, so it doesn’t account for traded goods. And, of course, you’ll also need to take into account the difference in population size across these countries.

The biggest causes of CO2 emissions

So, what is it that’s driving these emissions? And how does that impact your carbon footprint? There are a few main industries that create the majority of the greenhouse gasses we produce. Global data from 2016 shows the main culprits:

• Energy (the burning of fossil fuels) produced 36013.52 million tonnes of CO2e.
• Agriculture produced 5795.51 million tonnes of CO2e.
• Land-use change and forestry (altering or converting land) produced 3217.07 million tonnes of CO2e.
• Industrial processes produced 2771.08 million tonnes of CO2e.
• Waste produced 1560.85 million tonnes of CO2e.

How do I calculate my carbon footprint?

Amazingly, just 100 companies are responsible for 71% of all global greenhouse gas emissions. But that doesn’t mean that individuals don’t also have a carbon footprint. Our actions and lifestyle choices all have some impact on the environment. So how do you work out your personal carbon footprint?

A good place to start is with a carbon footprint calculator. The one we linked goes into a fairly granular amount of detail, so for a simpler option, this WWF one is worth checking out. However, both follow the same format – asking questions about your life and activities to give you an overall picture of your emissions.

To understand what your carbon footprint is, you need to look at several key areas of your lifestyle, including:

• Your home energy use and waste production. This includes factors like how much electricity, natural gas, and other fuels you use and where they’re sourced from, as well as whether you recycle or send your waste to landfill/incineration.
• Travel. Your footprint will vary depending on whether or not you have car/motorbike, as well as how often you use it. Similarly, your use of public transport contributes. Any flights you take also need accounting for, as these contribute significantly.
• Your diet. The types of food you eat and where you source it from can play a central role in your overall carbon footprint. The more energy-intensive it is to produce and ship your food, the worse for the environment it generally is.
• Your shopping habits. Another factor is how often you purchase new products such as electronics, household goods and clothing. The lifespan of these items, as well as where and how they’re produced, can play a role in your carbon emissions.

Why do I need to reduce my carbon footprint?

All this talk of carbon emissions and footprints might leave you with one question – why should you reduce them? After all, how much of an impact can one individual have, particularly compared to governments and big businesses?

There’s no doubt, the links between greenhouse gas emissions and climate change are too evident and extreme to ignore. Average global temperatures are increasing, extreme weather events are becoming more severe, ocean levels are rising, and acidification is occurring. All of these ecological threats are a result of human activity.

Who is most responsible for global carbon emissions?

However, we can’t ignore the facts – the world’s top 1% of emitters produce over 1000 times more CO2 than the bottom 1%. This proves that we’re not all equally responsible for the current state of our planet.

The amount you need to reduce your carbon emissions will radically vary depending on the amount you currently use – so don’t feel that you need to panic and take full responsibility for the climate crisis and never take a flight again, as there are some people who fly on private jets every week. They are the real problem, along with the aviation industry.

The Guardian found that over 5,000 completely empty passenger flights flew to or from UK airports between 2019 and 2022, and a further 35,000 commercial flights operated with fewer than 10% of seats filled. This amounts to a total of approximately 40,000 ghost flights.

In spite of this, reducing your personal footprint in a way that works for you can still have a positive impact on the environment, your community, and your personal wellbeing. Making some simple lifestyle changes could result in cleaner air, a healthier diet, and reduced energy bills.

20 tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint

Now that we’ve got a more detailed understanding of carbon emissions and climate change, let’s look at some ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Many of these are simple and convenient steps you can introduce. However, combined, they can make a big difference to your impact on the environment.

To make things clearer, we’ve focused on how to reduce your carbon footprint in several areas of life. Whether at home, work, school, or while travelling, you can make a difference.

How to reduce your carbon footprint at home

Let’s start with some steps to reduce your carbon emissions at home. Most of these are fairly quick and easy to implement, meaning you can start living a more eco-friendly life in no time at all:

1. Insulate your home

Heating your living space can be an expensive and energy-intensive process. By insulating places like your loft and walls, you can make sure your home retains heat during the winter and stays cool in summer. It means you’ll use less energy, reducing your carbon footprint and your household bills.

2. Switch to renewables

Energy providers around the world are now offering greener tariffs. By switching to a company that provides electricity from solar, wind, or hydroelectric energy, you can reduce your household emissions and save money on your energy bills. You could even install solar panels if they’re readily available where you live.

Some examples of renewable energy companies in the UK:

• Octopus energy
• Ecotricity
• Bulb

3. Buy energy efficient

Electrical appliances are becoming more efficient by the year. What’s more, many countries now show how efficient particular products are, meaning you can make an informed choice.

Whether it’s buying energy-saving light bulbs or choosing appliances with a high energy star rating, you can make your home more eco-friendly. Additionally, make sure to turn off and unplug anything you’re not using.

4. Use less water

It takes energy and resources to process and deliver water to our homes. What’s more, it’s also quite energy-intensive to heat it once it’s there. So, by using less, you can help the environment and lower your carbon footprint.

Try turning off the taps when brushing your teeth, having short showers rather than baths, and only boiling the water you need.

5. Change your diet

The food we eat can have a significant impact on the environment. For example, meat and dairy products require a lot of land, water and energy to produce. They also create a lot of methane, a greenhouse gas. What’s more, food shipped from overseas uses a lot more resources than local produce.

By eating fewer animal products, especially red meat, (or even choosing a plant-based diet) and shopping for locally sourced food, you can make a big difference. Why not support your local farmers’ market?

How to reduce your carbon footprint at work

Reducing emissions is something that you can do outside of the home too. Whether you make individual changes at work or company-wide policy adjustments, your activities can soon add up.

6. Turn off the lights

Powering empty rooms and office space is a huge energy drain. By making sure you turn off lights and appliances when they’re not in use, you can make sure you’re not wasting power. You could also request to install automatic, movement-sensing lights and energy-saving LED bulbs to address the issue.

7. Go digital

It’s never been easier to collaborate with others online. Whether through sharing documents using cloud storage or video conferencing instead of travelling, you can reduce your waste and emissions.

Try moving away from printed documents where possible, and encourage others to work on their digital skills for the workplace.

8. Cycle to work

Cycling and walking are two of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel. Not only are they good for the planet, but they’re also good for your health. If you can, choose to cycle or walk to work where possible. Your employer might even have a scheme that can help you purchase a bike.

9. Reduce, reuse, recycle

Companies of all sizes use a host of different products in their day-to-day running. Whether it’s things like paper, electronic devices, packaging, or water, it all has a carbon footprint. By reducing the amount of waste you generate, reusing IT equipment, and recycling waste, you can make a difference.

10. Eliminate single-use plastic

Single-use plastics may be convenient, but they’re fairly dreadful for the environment. Not only do they pollute our waterways and oceans, but they also require energy to produce and recycle. You can stop using things like disposable coffee cups and cutlery to reduce your company’s carbon footprint.

How to reduce your carbon footprint at school or university

No matter whether you’re a staff member or a student, you can bring some positive changes to your school to reduce your carbon footprint. Here are just a few ideas:

11. Raise awareness

Your school community might not know much about things like greenhouse gases, carbon footprints, or climate change. You can change that by raising awareness of these issues.

Things like school projects and fundraising events can help to educate students and their families about the importance of protecting the environment. This can help those around you to reduce their footprints.

12. Compost

Composting is surprisingly good for the environment, particularly when food waste is such a big issue. By setting up a composting scheme at your school or university, you can help to reduce landfill methane emissions. What’s more, this type of compost is free, doesn’t use energy to produce, and is good for your school gardens.

13. Switch off computers

An IT lab with rows of idling computers takes up a lot of energy. You can reduce your school’s energy bills and carbon footprint by keeping electronic devices turned off and unplugged when they’re not in use.

14. Use local food

This is a tip that can apply to just about every area of life. Locally-grown produce takes less energy to transport and supports the economy where you live. If you can get your school to switch to local and sustainable food for the kitchen, you can help save the planet and help local businesses.

15. Take local trips

Sticking with the theme of your surrounding area, try and work towards field trips that are nearby. Instead of going to far-flung destinations that require planes, trains, or buses, stick to something close by. Your emissions will be far lower, and you’ll contribute to your community.

How to reduce your carbon footprint when travelling

As we’ve already seen, travel can cause a significant amount of carbon emissions. However, by making a few small adjustments, you can make sure your trips have as low an impact as possible.

16. Use public transport

Petrol cars and taxis tend to emit a lot of carbon dioxide per kilometre of travel. These greenhouse gas emissions are usually only spilt between a few people, making it quite an energy-intense way to get around.

Public transport such as trains, buses, and coaches carry many people and are often more sustainable forms of travel.

17. Fly direct

The carbon footprint of flying is larger than any other mode of transport. While the Eurostar, for example, emits around 6g of CO2 per kilometre travelled, a domestic flight produces 133g of CO2 and 121g of other emissions.

When you do fly, you should aim to reduce the number of stops on your route, ideally by flying directly to your destination.

18. Offset your carbon

Many airlines and travel companies now offer you the chance to offset your carbon emissions. Essentially, this is where you pay money on top of the cost of your ticket to fund projects aimed at reducing your carbon footprint.

These carbon offsets cover all kinds of incentives, such as restoring forests and making energy and transportation more efficient. However, carbon offsets shouldn’t be an excuse for the extremely wealthy to create huge carbon emissions just because they can pay to offset them.

19. Pack a water bottle

Although you often can’t take liquids in your carry-on luggage, you can pack a water bottle on anything you’re checking-in. Having a reusable container for your water means you can cut down on one-use plastic bottles. This can cut your carbon footprint for the manufacture and transport of each bottle.

20. Think green

No matter how far you travel, you can take an environmentally friendly approach when you reach your destination. As well as choosing green accommodation and ethical destinations, you can also think about the tours and attractions you take. Try and walk, cycle, or use public transport, eat local food, and leave as light a carbon footprint as possible.

Explore climate change and sustainability courses on FutureLearn

You’ve taken the first steps towards reducing your carbon footprint just by reading this article and taking an interest in carbon emissions. But what’s next?

Our discuss some of the issues we’ve raised in much more detail, and our online sustainability courses will help you see that more a sustainable world is possible.

Below, we’ve included some of our top climate change courses that discuss CO2 emissions and your carbon footprint. We hope they inspire you to make a change.

• Reducing Carbon Footprints: Taking Action for a Sustainable Future by the University of Warwick
• A Just Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy by the University of the West Indies
• Achieving Transitions to Zero Carbon Emissions and Sustainable Urban Mobility by UCL, EIT Urban Mobility, TUMI and ICLEI
• How to Measure, Reduce, and Offset your Company’s Carbon Footprint by MSQ and BIMA
• Carbon Markets: Examining EU Policies for Transnational Climate Action by the European University Institute
• Sustainability and Climate Change: An Introduction to Low Carbon Road Transport by Cenex
• Changing Urban Travel Behaviour for a Low-Carbon Transition by RMIT University and EIT Urban Mobility