Reducing your carbon footprint can be a challenging task to undertake – challenging because carbon emissions are not tangible objects and therefore not as easily identifiable. Carbon emissions that contribute to climate change come primarily from carbon dioxide (CO2) that is emitted from industry, energy production and our use of vehicles. Although CO2 emissions are not visible they are still harmful to our environment.

According to United Nations, the average American’s yearly carbon footprint is about 20 tons, whereas the global average is less than four tons. It’s time for a diet – a low carbon diet.

To get you started, here are our top five tips for how you can help reduce your carbon footprint (and in many cases, save some money too!):

1. Eat more farm fresh produce. We’re lucky in the Northwest to be surrounded by some of the country’s best farm fresh produce. Eating less meat can have a major impact on the environment. In fact, a study by the University of Chicago found that you can reduce your carbon emissions by 1,400 pounds by eating vegetarian meals five days a week.
2. Invest in alternative energy. About a third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions come from electricity production – and about half our country’s electricity production comes from coal. As a natural gas customer, you’re using gas directly in your home and so you are already using gas more efficiently, but you can take it a step farther and be on the forefront of investing in the latest alternative energy sources through the Smart Energy program.
3. Take a staycation. Airplane travel can be a major culprit in contributing to your carbon footprint. Cutback on air travel and explore the beautiful state we call home. In fact, if you sign up for our Smart Energy Challenge, we’ll give you a head start on your travels with a chance to win a free trip to Crater Lake for you and your family!
4. Change a light – or five. Replacing your five most frequently-used conventional light bulbs with those that have the ENERGY STAR label will greatly reduce your carbon footprint. In fact, if every American household did this, we could prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of nearly 10 million vehicles.
5. Be energy efficient. When buying new appliances for your home, take the time to find more energy efficient replacements – you’ll not only save energy but money on your utility bills too. Check out the NW Natural Appliance Center to find efficient fireplaces, tankless water heaters, barbecue grills and kitchen appliances that run off of your natural gas.

At NW Natural, we always encourage customers to use less and offset the rest. With Smart Energy, you can lower your carbon footprint by contributing a portion of your monthly natural gas bill to offset the greenhouse gasses associated with your natural gas use. These tips and many more can be found online at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Discovery Channel’s Planet Green, and NW Natural’s Smart Energy.