Efforts in your home

Most of your carbon footprint coming from your home has to do with the energy it takes to keep your house running. House suck energy from a lot of sources; appliances, lighting, heating and cooling; just to name a few. It is important to take a closer look at these energy users to make sure you are being as energy efficient as possible. Lighting is one of the easiest places in a house to reduce your carbon footprint. The simple step of turning off lights in rooms you aren’t using will make a huge difference. Also replacing incandescent lighting with LED lights is a step in the right direction.

Next time you are in the market for a new appliance, be sure to do your research to make sure your new appliance is energy efficient. Look for products that have been stamped with the Energy Star label, which recognizes them as being a top product at energy efficiency.

Finally, and probably the most important is to insulate your home. Insulating your home to reduce drafts and air leaks goes a long way at improving the overall efficiency of your home. Installing Low E glass, or adding Low E window film to existing glass is a great way to add much needed insulation to windows in a home. Many states offer incentives for increasing your homes energy efficiency.

Why it matters

Figuring out the ways in which you are contributing the most to your carbon footprint will help give you an overall view of ways in which you can reduce the impact you are having on the world. Addressing the issues that are of most concern first will help lead you down a path of using more sustainable resources in the future. All it takes is a small change from a few people to help start a trend towards a better and cleaner world.