Remember when you were a kid and were told you had to learn math because “someday you’ll need it?”

“Someday” seemed like forever away but you went ahead and learned it because you had to. And aren’t you glad you did? Knowing math really is useful when you’re trying to stretch a household budget.

So is going green! And the need to do so is becoming increasingly urgent. Whether you’re looking at it from a business or individual perspective, reducing your carbon footprint can help save the planet while it helps you save money.

If you’re wondering what a carbon footprint is, why you need to reduce it, or how you can do it, here’s what you need to know:

What is a carbon footprint?

Your carbon footprint is a measurement of the emissions of carbon dioxide or CO₂ that you produce as a result of your daily activities and lifestyle. A lot of things we do on a daily basis—like driving, using electricity, getting a burger at the drive-thru or taking a hot shower—directly or indirectly produce excess CO₂ because they involve the burning of fossil fuels.

Click here to download our report 10 Easy Steps to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint (and Help Save the World).

Why is excess CO₂ a problem?

CO₂ is one of several “greenhouse gases” that trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere. Much like glass panels in a greenhouse let light through and keep heat from escaping, greenhouse gases keep the Earth warm enough to sustain life. The problem is that human activities that involve burning fossil fuels add to naturally-occurring CO₂ in the atmosphere. The excess CO₂ causes the atmosphere to trap too much heat, which leads to global warming and long-term changes in the climate.

Why reduce your carbon footprint?

Humans are already seeing the effects of climate change: extended drought, torrential flooding, raging wildfires, and more extreme weather. Changes in climate affect water supplies, food production, and the ability of plant and animal species to survive. Most scientists believe that unless we quickly reduce the amount of CO₂ we pump into the atmosphere, there will be dire consequences for our planet and its current and future inhabitants.

What you can do to help

Global warming is a problem that’s too enormous for one person to solve, but if every person took even a few small steps to reduce his or her carbon footprint, collectively we may be able to curb climate change and help save the planet. If installing solar panels on your house or driving an electric car are out of reach for your budget, there are still plenty of steps you can take that cost nothing or very little to do. 

Here are three easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint, starting now.

#1. Skip the Burger

Skip the burger at the fast-food window and opt for a vegetarian meal at home—even if it’s just once a week on “Meatless Monday.” According to National Geographic, every pound of beef served is equivalent to releasing 19 pounds of greenhouse gases. The Environmental Working Group finds that eating one less burger a week for a year is the equivalent of driving 320 less miles per year. And, speaking of driving less, it’s our tip #2.

#2. Drive More Efficiently

Fossil fuels are a major producer of CO₂ emissions that contribute to global warming and climate change. A typical passenger vehicle emits 4.7 metric tons of CO2 per year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Reduce that by driving less, driving a fuel-efficient vehicle, or, better yet, sharing the ride!

#3. Take Public Transit.

According to the American Public Transportation Association, by switching an average 20-mile round trip commute for public transportation, you can reduce your carbon emissions by 4,800 pounds per year, which is the equivalent of a 10% reduction in a two-car household’s carbon footprint. Not only that, it can save you money—by downsizing to one car, the average two-car household can save more than $10,000 per year.

By combining tips #1, #2 and #3, not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint, you’ll also enjoy the benefits of a healthier diet, more exercise and cleaner air!

For more free and easy tips on reducing your carbon footprint, download our report, 10 Easy Steps to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint (and Help Save the World).

And don’t forget to share these tips. If we all do just a few small things to reduce our carbon footprint now, we can all breathe easier about the future.

Click here to learn more about climate change. Try this Household Carbon Footprint Calculator to find out how to reduce your carbon footprint.