It might be your dream to make a big impression on the world, but as far as the environment is concerned, you’ll do everyone a favor by reducing your impact.

A carbon footprint measures your contribution to global climate change, taking into consideration factors such as the size of your house, your mode of transportation, and the source of energy you use at home and work. You can calculate your carbon footprint online by visiting www.comfortableresponsible.org and clicking on Carbon Calculator. Here are some ideas to green your daily life:

Turn it off

There’s no reason to keep your electronics and appliances running when you’re not using them. Better yet, unplug your electronics. Some products consume energy when merely plugged into the wall, including chargers for your phone and camera. According to ENERGY STAR, the average U.S. household spends $100 per year to power devices that are off or in standby mode.

Choose clean energy

When it comes to water heating, room heating, cooking, generators and laundry, use natural gas. According to the Department of Energy, 90 percent of the natural gas delivered to your house is useful, as opposed to electricity, which loses more than two-thirds of its usable energy in its generation and transmission from the producer to your house.

The carbon footprint for a house using natural gas appliances, instead of electric appliances, is up to 46 percent smaller.

Go veg

A United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization report found that the meat in our diets produces more greenhouse gases than transportation or industry. If you can’t forgo burgers for life, go a day without meat on in a while.

Reducing your carbon footprint needn’t be painful. Little changes can go a long way.

– Courtesy of StateMedia