How can I reduce my carbon footprint?

 A significant climate conference, the 20th Conference of the Parties (COP20), took place in Lima, Peru from December 1 to December 12, 2014. During this event, representatives from over 190 governments convened to discuss the role of countries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Although the conference began with promising political signals, the discussions were far from over. There remained an urgent gap in greenhouse gas emissions that needed to be addressed before 2020¹.

Some key highlights from COP20 include:

1. Commitments: The United States, China, and the European Union, collectively responsible for over 50% of global emissions, announced their commitment to emission reduction¹.
2. Brazilian Proposal: Brazil proposed a concept called “Concentric Differentiation”, which aimed to differentiate countries into three circles based on their contributions:
   • Developed countries would have absolute reduction targets.
   • Emerging economies would have intermediate economy-wide reduction targets.
   • The outermost circle would focus on sector-specific targets. Unfortunately, this proposal was not included in the initial draft presented by the Convention¹.
3. Adaptation and Financing: Despite reports indicating that adaptation costs in developing countries could reach 2 to 3 times the previously estimated values (ranging from $70 to $100 billion per year until 2050), developed countries still resisted including adaptation and financing in their national contributions¹.

In summary, while COP20 made progress, the current text lacks effective actions to ensure that global temperature increases do not exceed 1.5 to 2°C. 

Certainly! Reducing your carbon footprint is a commendable goal. Here are some simple and effective steps you can take to minimize your impact on the environment:

1. Eat Low on the Food Chain:

   • Opt for a diet rich in fruits, veggies, grains, and beans. Livestock (meat and dairy) contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing meat and dairy consumption, you can cut your carbon footprint by 8 pounds per day or 2,920 pounds per year¹.
   • Consider participating in Meatless Mondays to start.

2. Choose Organic and Local Foods:

   • Transporting food over long distances consumes fossil fuels. Opt for organic and local produce that’s in season to reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.

3. Buy Food in Bulk:

   • Use your own reusable containers when purchasing foodstuffs in bulk. This minimizes packaging waste and reduces the energy used in production and transportation.

4. Reduce Food Waste:

   • Plan meals ahead of time to avoid excess food.
   • Freeze leftovers for future use.
   • If possible, compost your food waste.

5. Wash Clothing in Cold Water:

   • Use cold water detergent to wash your clothes. Enzymes in cold water detergent are designed to clean effectively without warm or hot water.
   • By doing two loads of laundry weekly in cold water, you can save up to 500 pounds of carbon dioxide each year¹.

6. Avoid Fast Fashion:

   • Trendy, cheap clothing items often end up in landfills, where they decompose and produce methane.
   • Instead, invest in quality clothing that lasts longer and consider second-hand or sustainable fashion options.

Remember, every small action counts! By making conscious choices, you can contribute to a greener and more sustainable .