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When it comes  to looking after our planet there are many things that we want to be aware of each and every day. Most of us are already taking measures to be more in touch with the planet and this is already making a positive impact on the world.

However there is still so much that we can do for our planet to make sure it is safe and healthy for generations to come, and one of the main hurdles we have yet to face is our carbon footprint. We all have a carbon footprint and it is something we have to be aware of with the impact it has on our zone layer. You can use SECR guidance and other helpful tools to learn more about it and this can be great for us to make a change. Today we are going to take a look at some of the small changes you can make to your life to help reduce your footprint.

1. Skip the fry up

Bacon, sausage, eggs and milk are all items which are made from animals. We aren’t going to try and preach for you to go vegan this year, however it is important to know the impact that livestock harvesting has on the world. Harvesting livestock is an popular in the world and it is also something which needs to be managed a little better. Livestock production and processing takes up a lot of energy and it can cause a lot of carbon dioxide to be produced.

2. Reduce beef consumption

There is a specific reason why cows in particular should take a step down when it comes to or diet, and the main reason for this is the fact that they produce a lot of methane. When a cow farts it will emit methane into the air which is a harmful gas for the atmosphere. The more we push for beef, the more cows will be bred for this and the more methane enters our atmosphere. Cutting down on beef is a good idea for many reasons.

3. Fly less… or in coach

If you want to reduce your carbon footprint in a simple way, you can avoid some of the things which cause the highest carbon footprint. For example, if you were to avoid flying on a plane this would have a great impact on your carbon footprint because planes are some of the worst culprits for producing lots of carbon dioxide. However, if you have to travel a lot for work and you cannot really help that, you can choose to fly in coach because there is less space, therefore, more people fit into the plane and therefore fewer planes would need to be used for the same number of people.

4. Buy second hand

The best thing you can do if you want to buy new things for your home and new clothes is to buy them second hand. Second-hand items are always the best for you to buy because they will not take any more energy to make. New products which are created every day take a lot of energy to produce and transport and this can make a huge impact on the world. By choosing a thrift shop instead of a commercial store will not only be better for the planet but it will also be cheaper!

5. Cycle

Why take the car out for a relatively short journey if you can just cycle instead? Cycling is a great way to burn some calories every day and also to reduce the carbon footprint that we have to experience in a car. It is a good way to keep fit, enjoy some fresh air and it can actually be a lot more fun in general.

6. Turn down the heat

The heating is something which we all use during the winter, but once the summer comes there is no need to turn up the thermostat in the home. It is important for you to think about ways that you can keep yourself warm in the house without using the heating; such as burning candles or wrapping up warm. We can avoid using heating for most of the year and this will save you some money and also energy.

7. Hang out your clothes

Ditch the dryer and hang your clothes outside instead! There is nothing better than clothes which have been hung out in the garden, and when it comes to saving energy it is a great idea for you to hang clothes out in the garden and let them dry naturally. It might take a little bit longer than a tumble dryer but you will end up with super fresh smelling clothes at the cost of no energy.

8. Unplug appliances

Whenever you aren’t using an appliance make sure that you unplug it. There is no need to have things plugged in or switched on if you don’t use them and this will help you save some real energy.

9. Reuse

Wherever you can, reuse items. When you head to the store make sure to take your bag for life; when you are grabbing a coffee make sure to use a flask; and just be more aware of the waste you are giving out to the world every day.

10. Buy new lightbulbs

One of the handiest ways to help save some energy in the home is to get better lightbulbs. Make sure to choose lightbulbs which are energy efficient and ensure that you always remember to turn them off when you leave a room!

11. Plant a tree… or three

If you want to help the planet and make sure that the carbon dioxide in the air doesn’t take over, the best thing you can do is plant a tree. If you didn’t already know, plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produce oxygen, and this means that they are able to make our air cleaner. To really see the benefit in your local area it is a great idea to plant a few trees and let them grow to take away the carbon dioxide in the air.