Carbon Footprint Tracking: An Easy Habit for Sustainable Living

Governments and businesses have a big role to play in addressing the climate crisis, but we can’t overlook the power of individual actions.

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By making changes in our everyday lives, we can contribute to the global effort to combat climate change.

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An increasing number of individuals around the world care about climate change. Yet, there's a snag.

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Many of us still feel unsure about the environmental impact of what we buy and use. We're not exactly sure how to change our habits for a sustainable lifestyle.

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That’s exactly why we need to measure our carbon footprint.

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Everything we do, from what we eat and wear to how we travel and work (even online work has a digital footprint), creates greenhouse gases. The total of these emissions is our individual carbon footprint.

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Why should we track our footprint?

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A 2024 study shines a light on why we struggle to change our habits for the planet. Turns out, we need to understand what exactly drives our carbon footprint to reduce it.

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Rather than vague advice like "use public transportation", "avoid single-use plastic", "don't waste food", or "go vegan", we need concrete tips. Think, "cycle to work 3 times a week", or "swap out 2 meat meals for veggie options".

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If you're a spreadsheet whiz like our founder Sanchali, you can figure this out yourself. For the rest of us, Carbon Footprint Tracking Apps (CFTAs) can be lifesavers. They calculate your emissions based on your consumption data, past and present, and help you craft a plan to cut back.

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Take the Commons app, for instance. It doesn’t just stop at carbon emissions tracking. The real magic happens next. It provides feedback based on your specific emissions, guiding you to reduce them.

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The study found that the feedback given by CFTAs can help decrease carbon emissions by 23%. The impact varies by consumption category, ranging from a 12% reduction in mobility to a 35% reduction in household activities.

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How to track and reduce our footprint?

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CFTAs are an effective tool for carbon emissions tracking and reduction. You become more conscious of your environmental impact by keeping a daily record of your activities and consumption.

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Treat it like a budget check and review it weekly to make it less overwhelming. This routine allows you to identify your highest carbon drivers and actively work towards reducing them, thereby decreasing your overall footprint.

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It's fulfilling to track your progress and witness the tangible impact of your sustainable decisions. While it's not the only measure of sustainability, it's a significant indicator of your contribution to a healthier planet.

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