18 Ways to Cut Your Carbon Footprint Today

Want to reduce your carbon footprint? Find out which actions have the biggest impact in tackling climate change.

Lowering our carbon footprint isn’t just a good idea—it’s a necessary step in the fight against climate change. We can’t sit back and hope corporations will fix the problem for us. Every day, we make choices—what we eat, how we get around, where we spend our money. These choices add up, shaping the kind of world we leave behind.

The reality is, we’ve already passed the 1.5°C warming mark set by the Paris Agreement, and it’s going to take all of us—individuals and businesses alike—to shift toward a more sustainable future. 

Knowing we need to reduce emissions is one thing—figuring out how to do it effectively is another. We’ve all heard the usual advice: switch to energy-efficient light bulbs, conserve water, and recycle.

But do these actions actually make a difference? The answer is yes, but some changes have a much bigger impact than others.

So, what really moves the needle? Going plant-based, ditching your car, and even having fewer kids are some of the most powerful ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Knowing which actions make the biggest difference helps you focus on what really counts. Here’s a breakdown:

Low Impact

• Switch to reusable shopping bags
• Unplug electronics when not in use
• Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs
• Use a reusable water bottle
• Reduce water waste (shorter showers, fix leaks)
• Turn off lights when not in use

Moderate Impact

• Recycle
• Opt for an electric vehicle
• Wash clothes in cold water
• Hang dry clothes
• Insulate your home

High Impact

• Eat a plant-based diet
• Reduce food waste
• Live car-free
• Have at least one fewer child
• Avoid transatlantic flights
• Purchase green energy
• High efficiency heat pumps

Believe it or not, our personal choices alone can drive up to 25–30% of the total emissions reductions needed. That’s a much bigger impact than most people think!

To maximize our impact and reach that 30% emission reduction, we should focus on the four main lifestyle areas—diet, transportation, travel, and energy use—and take meaningful actions within them.

The longer we wait, the harder it will be to reverse course. Every fraction of a degree matters. Start by picking one or two high-impact actions today, and encourage those around you to do the same. The future depends on it.

But we also recognize that sometimes implementing these high-impact actions isn’t always feasible. Maybe you live in a rural area with no public transportation and can’t afford an electric car, or you need to fly overseas to visit family.

When reducing emissions isn’t an option, carbon offsets can help balance the impact. By supporting projects that capture or prevent emissions—like reforestation, renewable energy, or methane capture—you can help counteract the carbon footprint of unavoidable activities.

Green Builder Media offers high-quality carbon offsets that meet rigorous standards, ensuring real impact without market redundancy. Our carefully curated portfolios provide an accessible way for individuals to reduce their carbon footprint. Check out our available portfolios here.