In a time of great uncertainty, it is important for our health and wellbeing to have something to look forward to, something to plan and put into action without factors such as travel restrictions intervening.
Given the great need, for ourselves and our planet, perhaps this is the time to calculate our individual and organisation carbon footprint, and then make a plan on how to reduce your carbon emissions by 7.6 percent.
How good would you feel to be able to do something concrete in a time when so much is changing?
There are a heap of carbon footprint calculators out there. As this ABC article shows, each has their own quirks.
STEP ONE: Calculate your carbon footprint. This is where it can be confusing with so many different calculators online. A University of Sydney carbon footprint tool that provides some interesting insights, demonstrating how to reduce personal carbon emissions just by making small changes in our consumption and behaviours as individuals;
https://isa.org.usyd.edu.au/education/Online-Calculator.html
STEP TWO: Reduce your carbon footprint by changing your habits. Australian households generate at least one-fifth of Australia’s greenhouse gases – more that 18 tonnes per household each year. This Government website has lots of practical information on ways you can reduce your carbon footprint.
https://apps.epa.vic.gov.au/AGC/r_emissions.html#page-1/!
STEP THREE: Offset any carbon footprint that cannot be reduced. There are a host of accredited programs for offsets, however it is not necessary to sign up for accreditation. Set a planting target for your own backyard or hobby farm, become a steward in your favourite park or join your local Landcare Group.
There is nothing to prevent us stepping up in a voluntary capacity and doing what we can to demonstrate action to future generations. Let’s get to it!
