As many people know, global warming is a serious issue, and we all need to contribute to cleaning up our Earth. On social media, I constantly hear teens and young-adults say, “I’m just one person, how can I save the planet?” But you can! There are many small things in your everyday life on campus that you can change to contribute to helping our planet. One way people have begun to do this is by decreasing their carbon footprint.

In case you didn’t know, a carbon footprint is the trail of carbon dioxide you leave behind in your everyday lives. To figure out your carbon footprint, all you have to do is look up a quiz. Unfortunately, the average carbon footprint is 20 metric tons. However, there are some simple ways to reduce this and lead a healthier, greener life – even if you live on a campus!

Transportation. Let’s talk about transportation for a minute. It’s very common for people to own cars, even at young ages. However, consider your other options. Consider switching to public transit, carpooling, walking or biking! There are many bus routes that take you straight from GO stations to your campus! This can be a great way to save traffic time, money, and gas emissions.

Diet. Many people already know this, but reducing your dairy and meat intake can greatly reduce your carbon footprint. Cows produce mass amounts of methane gas which is terrible for the environment. By purchasing and consuming dairy and meat from cows, we are encouraging these companies to keep harming animals and our environment. The best way to decrease your carbon footprint would be to go vegetarian or vegan, but we understand this can be very difficult, especially for campus life since you don’t have a lot of time to prepare your meals. Vegetarianism or veganism can often be a complete lifestyle change, not just a diet change.

Technology. One of the simplest solutions, and one many of you might already be doing without awareness, is by switching your desktop computer to a laptop. According to onetreeplanted.org, “laptops use up to 90% less energy than desktop computers”. As a college or university student, computers are constantly being used, and therefore using more energy. By using a laptop rather than a desktop computer, you can be efficient at your work while decreasing your carbon footprint.

If none of these appeal to you, try simple tasks in your everyday life such as turning off lights when you don’t need them, turn your tap off while you’re brushing your teeth, do research on companies that you buy products from and consider not buying products from them if they harm animals or produce large amounts of gas or energy while they make their products.

Keep in mind that global warming is a serious issue that affects us all. You can make a difference. You can contribute to helping our earth, even by making simple changes in your life to decrease your carbon footprint.

Sources:

1. https://onetreeplanted.org/blogs/stories/reducing-carbon-footprint-college
2. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/dec/21/lifestyle-change-eat-less-meat-climate-change

https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2018/12/27/35-ways-reduce-carbon-footprint/