Simple ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions during the summer

As summer temperatures rise, many households are going to use more electricity and fuel, leading to more carbon dioxide emissions.

This is becoming a major issue due to the effects of human-induced climate change, and by making simple changes to everyone’s daily routine, people start lowering their emissions. Some changes include reducing waste, using public transportation, and much more.

By far, summer uses the most energy due to the reliance on air conditioning to keep buildings cool. With much of the country's electricity coming from fossil fuels, this extra demand will result in higher carbon dioxide emissions. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, reducing energy is an effective way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The easiest way to lower emissions is to use air conditioning efficiently. This can be done by raising the thermostat a few degrees higher, using ceiling fans, or closing the blinds when the sun is at its apex, which all work together to reduce electricity consumption. Replacing air filters can make the cooling systems in the home work more efficiently.

Reduce Waste and Save Energy

Reducing waste can help too. By recycling aluminum, paper, plastic and glass, we limit how much energy it takes to make new products, since it takes less energy to make products from recycled materials than it does to make them from raw materials. Composting food waste instead of throwing it away also helps cut back on greenhouse gases.

Another way to cut back on carbon emissions is to use renewable sources of electricity, such as solar power, whenever possible. Solar panels can be installed on one's own home if one is a homeowner, while those who rent or live in apartments can sign up for solar power from their local utility. Even buying energy-efficient appliances and LED light bulbs can help cut down on the amount of power used during summer.

Summer is also a great time to cut back on the use of water. Sprinklers should be used at dawn or sunset when there is the least amount of evaporation. Fixing leaks is also important, since a large amount of water is wasted through leaks, and using electricity to treat and transport water is wasteful, since that electricity usually comes from burning fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

While any one individual can only do so much, millions of people cutting back on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions can have a huge impact. Conserving energy, carpooling, cutting back on waste and using renewable sources of power such as solar energy help keep the planet healthy.