12 simple things to reduce your carbon footprint

The UNDP is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. In 2000, at the Millennium Summit, world leaders pledged to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which aim to cut poverty in half by 2015. The Country Director of UNDP Philippines is Mr. Renaud Myer.

In our country, the MDG is focused on democratic governance, poverty reduction, crisis prevention and recovery, and energy and environment. In line with the last programme, UNDP Philippines has listed 12 simple things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint.

1. Turn it off. Turn off lights, TV sets, videos, stereos and computers when not in use. They can use from 10 to 40% of power when put on standby mode. Moreover, unplug chargers as soon as they have finished their work.
 
2. Be exact. Fill the kettle with only as much water as you need.

3. Close it. Don’t leave refrigerator doors open for longer than is necessary. Do not also open the refrigerator doors often.

4. Check your car tires. Properly inflated tires can improve your car’s fuel efficiency.
5.Use no plastic. Use cloth bags when you go shopping and avoid buying products that use too much plastic.

6. Fan up. Instead of using air conditioner in summer, wear cool, cotton clothes and use an electric fan.

7. Drive less. Do your weekly errands in a single trip, or pay your bills online. Or better yet – walk, bike, ride the bus or metro rail system, or carpool.

8. Optimize your speed. You will consume up to 25% less fuel if you drive no faster than 90 km/hr.

9. Drive hybrid. A hybrid car or any other fuel-efficient car emits less carbon dioxide.

10. Replace them. Replace your incandescent bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL). CFLs cost from three to five times as much but use less than a third of the power. Moreover, replace your old refrigerator and other appliances with energy-efficient ones.

11. Watch what you eat. Choose food produced close to your home, thereby reducing energy used for their transport.

12. Recycle. Consume less and reuse old products