Greenhouse gases (GHG) are gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. Some greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide occur naturally in the atmosphere and are emitted to the atmosphere through natural processes and human activities, while other greenhouse gases are created and emitted solely through human activities. In order to reduce our personal greenhouse gas emissions, we must understand how the gases are produced and how they enter the atmosphere. The main greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere due to human activity are Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Nitrous Oxide, and Fluorinated Gases. Carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere though the burning of fossil fuels, solid waste, and tree products, and also from chemical reactions in manufacturing processes. Methane is emitted from livestock and agricultural practices, the decay of organic waste in solid waste landfills, and during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. Nitrous Oxide is also emitted from agricultural and industrial practices, as well as from combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste. Lastly, fluorinated gases are emitted from various industrial processes and are used as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances. [1]
Many greenhouse gases are emitted by individual’s daily activities both directly and indirectly. Per person emissions will vary depending on location, habits, and personal choices; but we can all find ways to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and save money at the same time. “Reduce, reuse, recycle”[2] are a few of the major steps in helping to conserve energy, reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emission, and to save money.
To reduce methane generation, individuals can increase their level of recycling within their home or workplace so less organic waste decays in landfills. Recycling cans and bottles may give you a refund depending on your location, and composting organic waste leaves you with free fertilizer to use in an at home garden, or to donate or sell to members of the gardening community.
Fuel efficient and electric cars are a great way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in contrast to the use of a standard vehicle, however more money can be saved if individuals use car-pooling, mass transportation, bicycles, or walk to various locations.[3] The choice to bicycle or walk in turn emits no greenhouse gases and saves the individual a lot of money because they do not need to pay for gas, car insurance, or transport fares. With an increased level of daily exercise due to walking or bicycling, the individual may also save money by no longer needing a gym membership, dropping the use of diet pills or prepackaged diet foods, and from fewer doctor visits because of improved health. In some countries, you can also get a reduction in tax and congestion charges when using energy efficient transportation. If walking or bicycling is not a viable option, there are ways of also driving more efficiently. Observing the speed limit, moderate acceleration and braking, removing excess weight, avoiding idling, using cruise control, and using overdrive gears will also increase the fuel efficiency of your car; saving gas, reducing engine wear, and ultimately emitting less greenhouse gases and saving the user money. [4]
An individual’s change in diet and consumption habits can also greatly decrease their personal greenhouse gas emissions and save money simultaneously. It takes about 10 times as much fossil fuel to produce animal protein compared to plant protein. Switching from a meat based diet to a plant based vegetarian or vegan diet will contribute 1.5 fewer tons of carbon dioxide or its equivalent into the atmosphere than the average North American diet. [5] Studies have also consistently shown great health improvements in individuals who have adopted a plant based diet instead of the typical meat based diet. In relation to diets, it is also important that individuals buy sustainable, organic, and locally produced foods. Doing so will decrease the amount of all greenhouse gases involved with agricultural, processing, and transportation food procedures. Growing your own food is also energy efficient, decreases emissions, and saves you money by replacing items you would normally buy at the grocery store.
Buying and using energy efficient appliances require less energy to do their job, meaning lower expense bills and less fossil fuel use.[6] Running appliances when they are full, and hang drying clothing rather than putting in in the dryer will use less energy and thus save you money, and hang drying also makes your clothes last longer, so money is saved there too! Greenhouse gas emissions will also be reduced if you weather proof your home. By caulking and weather stripping doorways and windows and adding insulation can cut heating and cooling costs dramatically, meaning you save energy and money as well.[7] The same goes for unplugging unused appliances and electronics, turning off lights when not in use, replacing old light bulbs with energy saving fluorescent bulbs that last 12 times longer, and reducing use of refrigerants, air conditioners, and heaters.
Lastly, individuals should push for community involvement in recycling program and educational programs and classes focused on sustainability, energy use, and consumption. With increased awareness, individuals and small community groups can stress owners of local buildings to adopt energy efficient practices. “America’s buildings consume more than 40 percent of our total energy, which amounts to almost 10 percent of all the energy used in the world. Much of this energy is wasted due to inadequate insulation, inefficient heating and cooling systems, and poor construction techniques.” If individuals can change their personal habits and inform others about how they can do the same, hopefully larger corporations and organizations will follow. Every individual and the choices they make matter. We can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing energy consumption, directly putting more money back into our pockets.
Works Cited
"At Home | What You Can Do | Climate Change | U.S. EPA." US Environmental Protection Agency. 20 May 2010. Web. 06 Apr. 2011.
"Energy Efficient Buildings Would save Money, Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Environment Rhode Island." Home - Environment Rhode Island. The Examiner, 2 Apr. 2010. Web. 06 Apr. 2011.
"Gas Mileage Tips - Driving More Efficiently." Fuel Economy. U.S. Department of Energy, 6 Apr. 2011. Web. 06 Apr. 2011.
Home : ENERGY STAR. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Energy, 2011. Web. 06 Apr. 2011.
Knudsen, Elizabeth. "How to Reduce Your Greenhouse Gas Emissions - WikiHow." WikiHow - The How-to Manual That You Can Edit. 31 Mar. 2011. Web. 06 Apr. 2011.
"On the Road | What You Can Do | Climate Change | U.S. EPA." US Environmental Protection Agency. 20 May 2010. Web. 06 Apr. 2011.
"Reduce, Reuse, Recycle." Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. 2011. Web. 06 Apr. 2011.
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