5 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Trying to reduce your carbon footprint, a measurement of the impact we have on the environment, may sound like a difficult task to accomplish. It doesn’t have to be.

Here is a list of easy adjustments you can make to improve the environment you live in. You may also find that it will not only help the planet, but also save you money.

1. Buy Local Foods

If you’re on the way to pick up some groceries, check out your local farmer’s market first to purchase fruits and vegetables. Farmer’s markets generally sell produce that is grown in an eco-friendly way. Fruits and vegetables are also grown locally which reduces carbon footprints, and, better yet, prices. Next time you’re out for a grocery run during the coming months, stop by in Lakehurst to pick freshest fruits and veggies.

2. Bottled Water No More

Another way to reduce a massive carbon footprint is by ditching plastic water bottles and purchasing a tap water filter system along with a reusable water bottle for when you are on the run. According to the Environmental Working Group, tap water filter systems are not only purer than bottled water and better for the environment, but also cost 1,900 times less. This saves the planet and the money in your pockets.

3. Go Outside

As the weather gets nicer, there are many ways to have fun without getting into your car and planting those carbon footprints. Manchester, Whiting and Lakehurst all have recreational parks where you can meet friends to play a game of basketball, throw a frisbee or even have a picnic on the lawn.

4. Let the Sun Shine 

With the sun shining now until the late afternoon, an easy way of decreasing your carbon footprint is by opening your window blinds to let the natural light brighten the room. To keep with goal of reducing your footprint at night, simply install a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) or an LED light bulb. CFLs can reduce your CO2 emissions by about 500 pounds a year. And, although LED light bulbs are more expensive than CFLs, they can last about five times longer.

5. Reuse, Reuse, Reuse

A major way of reducing your carbon footprint is reusing what you already have. For example, when mowing your lawn, leave the clippings on the grass. This will decompose and fertilize the grass. You can also reuse your plastic bags when shopping. If you go to the of Manchester, you can save up to 5-10 cents per bag on your bill just by bringing in reusable or old plastic bags.

With these five ways of reducing your carbon footprint, you can become more involved in making our environment a better place and maybe even save a few dollars.