6 tips to reduce your carbon footprint
With the frigid Chicago winter rapidly approaching, now is a great time to think about your daily habits and how you can reduce your carbon footprint this winter.
Here are 6 tips from the experts at WasteNot on how to reduce YOUR Carbon footprint
1 - Layer Up, Not the Thermostat
Instead of cranking up the heat, add layers of clothing to stay warm. Even a small temperature reduction can make a significant difference in energy consumption. A temperature adjustment of just 5 degrees for an eight-hour period can save 5% on heating energy use!
If you have old or unused winter clothes lying around, you can help those in need this chilly season by participating in WasteNot’s clothing drive! Keep an eye out - our Clothing and Shoes Drive is coming soon on the WasteNot Shop!
2 - Embrace Natural Light
Harness the power of natural light to brighten your home and reduce reliance on artificial lighting! By simply opening your blinds or curtains during the day, you can let in natural light, creating a warm and inviting space. In the evening, close them to trap heat and keep your home cozy.
Not only will this help you save energy, but it can also boost your mood and benefit your indoor plants!
3 - Mindful Consumption
Be mindful of your energy use and waste during the winter holidays. Awareness is the first step to lowering your environmental impact. When it comes to holiday lighting and decorations, keep it simple - limit the amount of time they stay lit or reduce the number of lights you use. Enjoy their glow while you’re awake, but remember to turn them off before bed to save energy!
You can also opt for eco-friendly gift wrapping and packaging to minimize single-use waste. Check out the WasteNot Shop to explore options like compostable wrapping paper, tissue paper, and more!
4 - Celebrate sustainably
Using a real holiday tree is a sustainable option that brings natural beauty into your home. Artificial trees are made from non-compostable material and their production consumes nearly 8x more resources in production, whereas real trees are renewable, recyclable, and reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Once the holiday season is over, choosing to recycle your tree is the most eco-friendly option!
Sign up for tree collection via WasteNot Shop to make sure your tree doesn't end up in the landfill once the holidays are over!
Early bird pricing is available through 12/25 — add now for $5 off!
5- Weatherize Your Home
Prepare your home for winter! Make sure to check and seal any air leaks around windows, doors, and outlets. Proper insulation can significantly reduce energy loss, and keep your home cozy and warm all season.
6- Compost Your Comfort Food
Reduce food waste by composting leftover scraps from your cozy winter meals. Every year, 40% of all food in the U.S. goes to waste in a landfill. Choosing to compost your food scraps and leftovers with WasteNot reduces this, therefore reducing methane emissions from landfills and minimizing your overall environmental impact. Plus, it helps to create a nutrient-rich soil in the process.
WasteNot members can order one-time, additional compost buckets in the WasteNot Shop prior to hosting holiday dinners or events.
Check the full list of compostable items that are compostable with WasteNot here.
