In the last 200 years, human activity has released more CO2 than our planet can handle – too many gases are remaining trapped inside our atmosphere, more than at any time in the last 800,000 years. These gases, which also include methane and nitrous oxide, are causing our planet to warm up – and the results of this global warming of our planet are becoming more dramatic every day.

To reduce our carbon footprint and mitigate global warming, there are numerous decisions we can make as an environmentally conscious individual or businesses.

Reduce your company’s carbon footprint

• First and foremost, reduce direct and indirect emissions by reducing production inputs such as energy, paper, raw materials, etc.
• Invest in energy-efficient technology (e.g. EnergyStar), whether in an office or in a factory
• Launch an employee offset program to match employee efforts
• Offer employees telecommuting and teleconferencing options
• Encourage commutes by public transit, bicycle, foot or carpooling by providing infrastructure and incentives
• Reduce emissions associated with transportation by, for example, using low-emission vehicles in your fleet, planning delivery routes efficiently, adopting an anti-idling policy and educating employees
• Implement green procurement and supply chain guidelines
• Reduce the packaging of your products
• Minimize waste and maximize recycling
• Offset those emissions that cannot be reduced

Reduce your personal footprint

• Reduce the amount you drive
• Walk, bike, carpool and use public transit more often
• Don’t idle your vehicle
• Keep you vehicle properly tuned and tires properly inflated
• Consider fuel efficiency when buying a vehicle.
• Buy energy efficient appliances
• Shut off lights and equipment when not in use
• Use fluorescent bulbs, lower your thermostat and water heater temperature
• Insulate and weatherproof your home
• Conserve water
• Hang laundry
• Plant trees
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.