Our carbon footprint has a negative impact on the environment in many ways: It is a major cause of human-induced climate change, contributes to urban air pollution, leads to toxic acid rain, and contributes to coastal and ocean acidification. This worsens the melting of glaciers and polar ice. Global population growth and the expansion of economic and industrial sectors have played a significant role in the Earth’s ability to absorb carbon emissions both on land and at sea. And to explain and solve this problem, the term “carbon footprint” was coined.
The carbon footprint is the total emission of greenhouse gases that are associated with all the activities of a person or entity and is expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent. Society can do a lot to reduce its carbon footprint. It consists of human stakeholders. These people can reduce their carbon footprint, either personally or in their positions within the company. Using cycles instead of gas-burning vehicles can be the very first step towards the goal. This is why many companies and govt. organizations started installing bike racks on their premises to promote cycling culture.
3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
From office supplies to operations and supply chain, the company should reduce, reuse and recycle. Be sure to reduce and reapply first, as these procedures will remove the excess. If there is no reusable alternative or reuse that just doesn’t work for your business, start a recycling program in your office before partnering with your municipality. These three R’s will help prevent too much corporate waste from ending up in landfills.
Invest In Renewable Energy
Energy consumption releases carbon emissions unless you use renewable energy. Solar and wind have become the fastest growing alternative energies that are clean and renewable.
Introducing Bike Racks
Many bike commuters cite carbon reduction as a reason for cycling. Studies have shown that bicycles and e-bikes currently account for 6% of the miles traveled in the world’s cities. If bicycles and e-bikes account for 14% of travel in the world’s cities by 2050, there would be an overall reduction in carbon emissions of 11%. Encouraging workers to use bikes and e-bikes as a means of transport and building bike racks will not only help reduce carbon emissions but also save some parking spaces that could be used for other important purposes.
Encourage Workers To Work From Home
During the pandemic, the concept of working from home encroached into the corporate world, allowing workers to work from the comfort of their homes. This concept also helps to reduce the carbon footprint as less office space would be required and no more unnecessary fuel consumption.
Travel Smart
In line with encouraging workers to work from home and drive less, you can also consider travelling smart if you have to. Let your workers ride electric bikes that have zero emissions, or switch to electric cars and build bike racks for them. They also use electricity powered by a rechargeable battery, which significantly reduces carbon emissions.
Recently, the amount of carbon footprint has increased several times compared to previous reports. The industrial sector contributes a large number of carbon emissions and is the main cause of induced climate change and global warming. One should contribute as much as possible to reduce carbon emissions and make this earth a safe place
