Carbon footprints and our impact on the environment

We all impact the environment in some way through our daily activities. You've probably heard the term "carbon footprint," but what does it really mean? Simply put, a carbon footprint measures how much greenhouse gases (GHGs) are released into the atmosphere by activities, products, people, companies, or even entire countries. To give you some perspective, the global average carbon footprint per person is about 4 tonnes per year. However, in the UK, the average is 12.7 tonnes – which is much higher than it should be if we want to protect our planet. The United Nations aims to reach "Net Zero" carbon emissions by 2050, but there's still a lot of work to do to get there!

You can read more about "Net Zero" here: Net Zero - United Nations.

What Are the Issues with a High Carbon Footprint?

A large carbon footprint leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions, which harm our environment in a variety of ways. This includes rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, rising ocean temperatures, loss of biodiversity, food insecurity, and even increased poverty. These effects are becoming more visible in the news every day – like the recent wildfires in LA. So, what’s causing these issues?

The main sources of greenhouse gas emissions are:

• Electricity and heat
• Agriculture
• Transportation
• Forestry
• Manufacturing

Energy production alone makes up 72% of all emissions, which is why it’s crucial that we all work together to reduce energy usage and lower our carbon footprints. Ultimately, we want to protect the planet for ourselves, our children, and future generations.

How Can I Reduce My Energy Use?

Here are the Rescycle 10 simple tips to help you save energy in your student accommodation and beyond:

1. Turn off lights
   Make sure to turn off lights when you leave a room. This saves energy and extends the life of your light bulbs, which means fewer replacements!
2. Turn off appliances
   Completely turn off appliances when you’re not using them. Avoid leaving items like games consoles and TVs on standby, as that still uses energy. Turn them off at the switch instead.
3. Only boil the water you need
   Don’t overfill the kettle. The more water it boils, the more energy it uses. Just boil what you’ll actually use.
4. Take shorter showers
   Cutting down on shower time not only saves water but also the energy needed to heat it. Try setting a timer to see how much time you can save!
5. Wash dishes in one go
   When washing dishes by hand, fill the sink with water instead of leaving the hot tap running. This saves both water and energy.
6. Be savvy with your washing
   Wash your clothes on a lower heat and try to avoid using the tumble dryer. Air-drying clothes indoors on a clothes horse saves a lot of energy!
7. Use alternative kitchen appliances
   If you have a slow cooker, air fryer, or microwave, use them instead of the oven. These appliances use less energy and sometimes make cooking easier too.
8. Be mindful of your heaters
   Only heat rooms you're using, and turn off heaters when you leave. Sometimes, wearing a couple more layers, an Oodie, an extra pair of socks can keep you warm and save on energy wastage.
9. Buy energy-efficient appliances
   When replacing appliances, look for energy-efficient options. Most products will show an energy rating, with "A" being the most efficient and "G" the least.
10. Optimise your fridge/freezer
    Keep your fridge at 5°C and your freezer at -18°C for the best energy efficiency. Also, avoid leaving the doors open for long periods, and defrost when needed to help the appliance to run more efficiently. Learn more here: Energy Saver - Fridge and Freezer Tips. 

By making these small changes, you can significantly reduce your energy use and help protect the environment everyday. Plus, you'll likely see a drop in your energy bills! Share these tips with friends and roommates to make a bigger impact together. Not only will you be helping the planet, but you’ll also save money in the process!