Climate change continues to have a global impact, with some countries bearing the brunt of the damage, experiencing extreme weather events such as hurricanes or heat waves. Union Solar, as an electricity provider in Singapore and a solar energy company, is responsible for helping Singapore reduce its overall carbon footprint and encouraging more businesses and individuals to do their part in protecting our environment.
It is everyone’s responsibility to protect the environment we live in, even if we can’t contribute much. If everyone does their part to reduce their carbon footprint, every effort, no matter how small, will have a significant impact on the environment.
If you wish to contribute to an eco-friendly nation, here’s what you can do at home to help reduce your carbon footprint.
1. Switch to renewables
One of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to adopt renewable energy, such as solar energy, to power your home. It not only contributes to zero carbon emissions, but it also allows you to save money in the long run. Though, only landed property owners are able to make the switch currently. The government, however, is stepping up efforts to install solar panels for homes in HDB towns, beginning with the newest Tengah estate. If you live in a HDB flat or condominium, you can reduce your carbon footprint in other ways, such as by reducing your energy consumption.
2. Buy energy efficient appliances
Electricity is required to power our homes, and in order to reduce your carbon footprint, it is essential that you consume less energy. In Singapore, the majority of our electricity is generated by burning natural gas and not solar energy, which generates the heat required to power a turbine. This contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.
To reduce your carbon footprint, fill your home with only energy-efficient appliances that can operate at a normal frequency with the least amount of energy consumption. This ensures that you can continue to live comfortably and get things done without causing additional carbon emissions.
3. Reduce waste
Many people are unaware that waste contributes to an increase in our carbon footprint. When waste is disposed of in landfills and broken down, greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and small amounts of nitrogen are released into the atmosphere, all of which are harmful to our environment.
Cooking your own meals and not wasting food, taking food away in reusable containers, using reusable, non-plastic bags for grocery runs, and going digital are some ways to reduce the amount of waste generated in your home. Although your efforts may appear insignificant, in the long run, these small waste-reduction actions can significantly reduce the amount of waste entering our landfills and polluting the environment.
4. Buy responsibly
Buy what you need, not what you want – this concept, while commonly used to teach us the importance of saving money, can also be applied to environmental causes. When you buy in excess, you contribute to the production of more manufactured goods and the generation of more solid waste. Aside from buying less, buying responsibly involves supporting green businesses that make a concerted effort to support green causes and protect the environment. By contributing to green initiatives, you’re allowing them to do more for our planet.
5. Contribute to climate protection projects
There are many organisations both locally and globally dedicated to saving our planet; you can help raise awareness or even step up climate protection efforts by contributing monetarily or physically.
Aside from being an electricity provider in Singapore, we are committed to helping Singapore move towards a more sustainable future through the use of solar energy.
From solar panels for homes to solutions for tall commercial buildings, Union Solar has a solar energy solution for you. Get in touch with us to find out more.