Do you know that depending on the fuel used to generate it, the electricity that we use in our houses can generate carbon emissions? Therefore we must understand how we use that energy to control not only our cost but also these carbon emissions. This is step in the right direction to move ahead, creating a low carbon future.
Most of the electricity that we use in our homes comes from fossil fuels. Our dependency on this energy resource is visible from the fact that almost 80% of the electricity that we use comes from fossil fuels (coal and gas).
The power plants produce almost 30% of the earth’s total carbon emission in order to meet the growing need of the society.
This is not the only source of carbon emission, but there are a lot of household products generating carbon emissions. We must understand what all daily activities and household products cause these emissions if we want to create a low carbon future.
Check out a few activities that generate carbon emissions-
Driving
Our cars are dependent on petroleum fuel to run it. This accounts for the major carbon emission an average person can produce. To reduce the carbon footprint, you can try public transports or carpool. This way, you will definitely reduce the stress on the fuel and also reduce your monthly energy bill.
Cooking
Grilling a perfect steak or other meat products takes a lot of time to cook, meaning the gas stove will have to run longer for it to cook. It is not just the cooking time, but also the waste products that contribute to the carbon emission. A vegetarian meal takes a lot less time to cook, which not only reduces the carbon emission but also saves your bill.
Food source
The overall carbon emission of the agriculture industry is 8%, but the livestock generates one-third of the total emissions. One of the primary gas generated by the livestock is methane, which is more destructive than the CO2.
Consumers can indirectly reduce their carbon footprint by reducing the need for animal products.
According to a report, food generates almost 17% of the total carbon emission. Switching to a vegetarian diet reduces the carbon emission significantly, and might have a positive impact on your health.
Electric appliances-
Keeping appliances running when their are not in use increases the use of the electricity, which also increases your costs and your carbon footprint.
Other than these, keeping the electric appliances plugged in when not in use, or leaving the fans and cooling or heating systems switched on when there is no body at home wastes a lot of energy every year. This waste can represent up to 50% of a household total electricity bill.
Lawn Maintenance-
Now, you may think that if you have a big lawn, you are contributing a lot to the environment. However, this can be quite the opposite. Machines like lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and other gardening tools use a lot of gas to work, which could be more than what your lawn is offsetting.
These are a few things that generate carbon emissions in your home.
By being aware and taking proper measures, you can curb your climate impact and be on your way to create a lower carbon future.
If you are interested in understanding your carbon footprint, EnerWisely can help. Using its 100% online, Virtual Energy Efficiency Audit will offer you a personalized analysis of your energy consumption.
EnerWisely gives a good understanding of your energy usage patterns and its associated carbon emissions. It also calculates your full savings potential, account for energy efficiency opportunities and wasteful leaks.
Best of all it equips you with easy recommendations of where and how to save including recommending the best energy plans to reduce your electricity bills.
