50 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Evidence-based strategies to reduce your carbon footprint, organized by category. Each action includes estimated CO₂ reduction and cost savings.

Home Energy (15 actions)

• Switch to LED bulbs: Save 0.1 tonnes CO₂/year, $50-100/year
• Install smart thermostat: Save 0.3 tonnes CO₂/year, $100-200/year
• Seal air leaks: Save 0.2 tonnes CO₂/year, $100-150/year
• Upgrade insulation: Save 0.5 tonnes CO₂/year, $200-400/year
• Use energy-efficient appliances: Save 0.4 tonnes CO₂/year, $150-300/year

Transportation (12 actions)

• Drive less: Save 1.0 tonnes CO₂/year per 2,000 miles reduced
• Carpool: Save 0.5 tonnes CO₂/year, $500-1,000/year
• Use public transit: Save 0.8 tonnes CO₂/year, $1,000-2,000/year
• Bike or walk: Save 0.3 tonnes CO₂/year per 1,000 miles, $300-600/year
• Maintain your car: Save 0.2 tonnes CO₂/year, $200-400/year

Food (10 actions)

• Reduce beef consumption: Save 0.8 tonnes CO₂/year per meal/week reduced
• Eat more plant-based: Save 0.6 tonnes CO₂/year, $200-400/year
• Buy local produce: Save 0.1 tonnes CO₂/year
• Reduce food waste: Save 0.3 tonnes CO₂/year, $500-1,000/year
• Compost food scraps: Save 0.1 tonnes CO₂/year

Shopping (8 actions)

• Buy less, buy better: Save 0.5 tonnes CO₂/year, $500-1,500/year
• Shop secondhand: Save 0.3 tonnes CO₂/year, $300-800/year
• Avoid fast fashion: Save 0.4 tonnes CO₂/year, $200-500/year
• Choose sustainable products: Save 0.2 tonnes CO₂/year

Energy (5 actions)

• Switch to renewable energy: Save 2.0 tonnes CO₂/year
• Install solar panels: Save 3.0 tonnes CO₂/year, $1,200-2,400/year
• Use energy-efficient windows: Save 0.3 tonnes CO₂/year, $100-200/year

Calculate your current footprint →