Think laterally for the good of the planet: creative ways to reduce your carbon footprint

Almost half the respondents to a survey on attitudes towards global warming said they would support a tax on the amount of carbon in fuels that contribute to global warming, report The National Geographic. With awareness of climate change growing, and concern spreading throughout the general public, many people are looking for ways that they can reduce their own carbon footprint. Many of us now pay more attention to recycling, are mindful of what we throw away, and choose more sustainable transportation options, such as walking or cycling where we can.

Choose products with emotionally durable design

We are naturally inclined to replace objects when they become outdated or begin to look scruffy. An increasing number of designers are beginning to look at how products can be created to develop over time so that the consumer feels like they have a newer object for longer. For example, a teacup has been designed to reveal a pattern in the glaze over time. Designs like this aim to extend the shelf-life of everyday objects so that the consumer reduces their consumption, and with it, the materials and energy used in producing the product.

While innovation in emotionally durable design is still relatively new, we can create our own version at home by looking for ways to breathe new life into functional objects that we’ve grown tired of. This could be anything from repurposing old clothes - perhaps by cutting old jeans into shorts, or creating a patchwork cushion out of old shirts - to revarnishing tatty furniture, to painting glass jars and tableware. Creative thought can be surprisingly helpful in allowing us to reduce our carbon footprint. 

Meanwhile, we can buy new objects which are designed with sustainability in mind. The Natede air purifier, for example, does not need filter replacement. When products are created with materials that will continue to perform at their optimum level without the need for component parts to be replaced, we can make those objects last for much longer, promoting a culture that places less strain on resources. Look for objects with replaceable filters, removable tanks that can be emptied, and components that can be refilled rather than replaced.

One car for the whole household

The first thing that springs to mind when we think of reducing our reliance on cars is walking to work or cycling. These are great options, and things that the whole family can do on a daily basis. What we might not think of straight away, however, is how much impact we can make by reducing the number of vehicles a household owns. By evaluating your household’s need for a car, and replacing a family fleet of two or three vehicles with one car, you can easily reduce your household’s carbon footprint. If you take care to choose a car that will both carry the whole family and also meet the needs of every individual, it’s possible to condense multiple vehicles into one. While it might seem tricky at first, some careful timetabling can allow parents and grown-up children to use the family vehicle when necessary, and walk or use public transport the rest of the time.

Make less into more

We’re often put off from making substantial lifestyle changes when they seem too daunting, or mean that we’ll miss out on things we love. However, simply by reducing our consumption we can make a big difference to the environment. If your family isn’t ready to completely give up meat, for example, make a commitment to eating it just once a week. If you’re heavy meat eaters, even replacing one or two meals can make a big difference.

Green Peace advocate developing ‘meat consciousness’ - this doesn’t necessarily mean giving up meat altogether, but by simply being more mindful of our consumption and reducing it, we can make a big difference to the planet. Similarly, we can buy less; we can drive less; we can use the tumbler dryer less. It isn’t always realistic to completely overhaul our lives in one go, but doing a little less of the things that harm the environment will add up if many people do the same. 

Many of us want to reduce our carbon footprint, but it can be hard when we’re accustomed to a particular lifestyle. By thinking laterally and applying creative thought to the way we structure our lives, it’s possible to make a significant difference to the environment and enjoy life at the same time.

Credits: Jennifer Gloria