The carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) that reach the atmosphere and produces a human being with its consumption or activity. The higher the carbon footprint, the greater the damage we cause to the planet.
Many activities depend on fossil fuels that emit the so -called greenhouse gases (GHG): carbon dioxide, methane, hydrofluorocarbides or perfluororcarbons, nitrogen oxide and ozone.
The emissions of these gases are part of the natural cycle. However, in recent decades they have grown at high speed, among other reasons because human activity has also increased at an unstoppable pace.
One of the most important consequences is global warming and the effects of this threat are visible anywhere on the planet:
Glaciers melt and many animals are being forced to move; Climate patterns are changing and also ecosystems, which must adapt to new conditions. If they do not get it, the species are in danger of extinguishing; The last decade has also been the hottest in history; droughts and floods are increasingly common and recurring; The sea level grows and by the end of the century it is expected to do so above one meter if emissions are not drastically reduced.
According to the United Nations data, global carbon dioxide emissions have increased almost 50% since 1990. Therefore, the objective of the European Union by 2050 is to achieve climate neutrality, that is, to achieve net carbon dioxide emissions equal to or less than zero.
The goal is ambitious and is a long path that we can all join to gradually reduce emissions. The first important test will take place in 2030, when Europeans should have reduced our emissions by at least 55 %.
Tips for reducing carbon footprint at home
The Naturgy energy company has prepared a series of tips to reduce carbon footprint at home.
Electrical appliances and devices
Disconnect electronic devices when they are totally loaded or you are no longer using them.
Do not light the light if you do not need it.
80 % of the energy consumption of the washing machine is destined to heat the water. Cold washing is much more efficient.
Try cooking with express pots, save up to 50 % energy. And if you need the oven, take advantage of the residual heat.
In the freezer, the fewer plastic bags the better. If you need to store food, use glass tuppers
For every 10 seconds that the refrigerator door is open, a cold amount is lost that only 40 minutes is recovered. In order not to increase energy consumption, control this little gesture.
Washing by hand or using the dishwasher? It may seem that the appliance consumes more, but the truth is that washing by hand has a greater carbon footprint, especially if we do not make responsible water use. The key is to use the dishwasher always to the maximum capacity.
The lighting
For frequently used use lamps, opt for LEDs. It is true that they are a bit more expensive, but they are long duration (if you make good use, you will not have to change them in 15 years) and save between 80 % and 90 % compared to incandescent lamps.
Whenever you can, let natural light enter home.
Heating and air conditioning
20 ºC in winter and 25 ºC in summer is more than enough to get a pleasant temperature at home. One more or one less grade makes energy consumption increase 8 %.
To get a comfort temperature you can also adapt clothes to the weather. If in winter you put a thicker pajamas, you will have a greater sense of comfort and you will not climb the heating so much.
In summer, if you have awning, you can lower it so that the sun does not hot the house so much. You will lower the air conditioning a little and save energy.
Food and buy
Foods also have a carbon footprint. The way in which the food or kilometers that it travels is produced until you reach your kitchen are determining factors that influence the carbon footprint.
From home to work and work home
It is true that some car trips are inevitable but surely there are many that you can do in public transport, by bicycle or foot.
For a week, try otherwise a route that you usually do by car.
Sharing the car with other co -workers is a good idea, and if you take children to school, you can also make shifts among parents.
Renewable energies erase the carbon footprint
Another option that more and more homes are raised is to use renewable energies. With a photovoltaic installation, you produce the electricity you spend and make sure you do not emit greenhouse gases.