Introduction
Today, the criterion of "sustainability" is deemed in fashion. When talking about reducing our carbon footprint, both individual and businesses become very essential in this exercise. We can all make a difference and assure a better future by taking small steps.
Why should one reduce one's carbon footprint?
Actually, carbon footprints represent the amount of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide, directly or indirectly released as a byproduct of human activities. Among others, direct emissions from cars, incessant application of electricity, and hazardous industrial processes are pointed out to be some of the causes of global climate change.
This has led to a rise in natural calamities, sea-level rise, and extreme weather conditions. It, therefore, calls for immediate measures by everyone to ensure the upholding of certain sustainable practices, which may be of importance in helping reduce these emissions.
Business Tips
Energy Efficiency:
Companies should give the factor of improving energy efficiency in their operations the maximum importance. Basic steps towards this could begin with replacing traditional lighting with LED-based ones, shifting to energy-efficient appliances, and developing and maintaining an energy management system. As revealed in a report by the International Energy Agency in 2021, by efficient use of energy, global CO2 emissions by 2040 can be brought down by as much as 12 gigatons.
Renewable Energy:
Investment in renewable sources of energy, like solar, wind, or hydroelectric power, can be an alternate generation of energy and completely marinate the carbon footprint of the company. This is one area with respect to which, indeed, India has been doing quite well. In 2022, India stood fourth in the world in terms of renewable energy installation.
Ensure sustainable supply chains where they source their raw materials responsibly, reduce their wastage and assure labor justice. A 2021 study established that 80% of consumers are more likely to show brand loyalty if the brand supports sustainability.
Engage Employees:
Engage employees within the organization in such activities of sustainability. These would include carpooling, use of public transport, and temporary work from home. The second step in engaging them further will be through training and education in sustainability practices, which will help the employees make better choices at work and also in their personal lives. All these will create a culture of sustainability that goes beyond just supply chain practices within an organization.
Individual Tips
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:
This mantra of three words is as important today as it was when it came into existence. Reduction in wastage, reusing of commodities, and recycling of raw materials can help a lot in reducing the carbon footprint. After all, 1 ton of paper can be saved while saving 17 trees and 7,000 gallons of water through recycling, as we always say.
Energy Efficiency:
This can easily be achieved by developing habits such as switching off lights that are not required, using energy-efficient appliances, having reduced dependency on electronic gadgets to carry out minor tasks, and pulling out the plugs from the sockets to save energy. All these small actions, according to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency of India, may potentially reduce household energy consumption by less than 10%.
Sustainable Transport:
Public transport, cycling, or walking should be used in whatever way possible and completely avoid private transport. Now, if driving couldn't be evaded, then the next best thing would be carpooling or electric vehicles. The government of India has thus encouraged Electric Vehicles and has made a target to make 30 percent of all the vehicles on the road by 2030.
Mindful Eating:
Even the food that we eat can have its carbon footprint. Vegetarian diets, limiting unnecessary food wastage, and sourcing local produce can help us reduce the dispersive effect of consumption on GHC. Probably, in the 2021 study, adherence to plant-based diets was seen to reduce the carbon footprint of an individual by up to 73%.
Looking from the Global Lens
There is a fight across countries to have their carbon footprint reduced. Sweden has a very ambitious target set: carbon neutrality at the very latest by 2045. The United States rejoined the Agreement in 2021, making the basic promise of reducing its emissions by 50–52 percent less than its 2005 levels before 2030.
Many such initiatives are taken to bring more sustainability into everyday life in India as well. This can be viewed through the impetus that the government is providing toward renewable energy, electric vehicles, and efficiency in energy through different schemes and provisions made in the country.
Conclusion
It becomes a moral compulsion on everyone's part to reduce our carbon footprints. High time for businesses and different individuals to become proactive toward sustainability. Step into the future—a bit more sustainable and green.