The choices we make in our day-to-day life and activities can leave a mark on the environment. We are aware of the pressing need to do what's best for the environment so that we can mitigate the effects of climate change. But it can be tough to know how exactly to reduce your carbon footprint. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to make a difference even if you’re just starting out. As more of us are returning back to working in the office, it is also important now more than ever to look into ways of minimising our carbon footprint at the workplace.

While reducing your carbon footprint can seem like a daunting task, it doesn't have to be. Small daily changes can lower your environmental impact and help fight climate change.

Join Senoko Energy on our #TakeCharge initiative to reduce carbon emissions, support renewable energy sources and encourage sustainable lifestyles. Each one of us have our part to play in the sustainability leap forward and we can do so by incorporating green habits into our daily lives.

Read on for helpful advice on how you can shrink your carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the planet.

Benefits of a smaller carbon footprint

It is crucial to reduce our carbon footprint so that we can combat global climate change, improve public health, boost global economy and maintain biodiversity. By cutting down on carbon emissions, we ensure there is cleaner air, water and food globally for the current and future generations.

Reducing carbon footprint has extensive benefits such as:

• Reversing the impact of climate change. A drop in carbon emissions also has the added bonus of better overall air quality and clearer skies.
• Healthier water supplies with better concentration of oxygen in rainwater, since greenhouse gas emissions raise air temperatures and lower rainfall levels.
• Saving on overall costs by reducing energy usage and daily living or business operational expenses.
• A drop in climate change related health issues with healthier air, water and food from lesser carbon emissions.

Here are some further tips:

1. Use energy-efficient office equipment and kitchen appliances. Look for climate-friendly indicators on the product itself or be sure to speak to your supplier who can further advise you on how certain products can cut carbon emissions.
   Shared transportation to work. Since personal vehicles are one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions, consider carpooling or taking advantage of Singapore’s great public transport system to reduce your carbon footprint.
   
2. Reduce office kitchen waste. Besides cutting down on personal food wastage, offices can provide reusable dishes and cutlery, and buy disposable items like napkins made of recycled materials.
3. Minimise business travel. Carbon emissions from flights and road transportation add to the global carbon footprint, so whenever possible, try to use video conferencing and virtual technology for meetings, conferences and other events.
4. The 3 Rs - Reduce, reuse, recycle. Go digital and reduce the need for paper products. Don’t print unless absolutely necessary. Reuse refurbished electronic devices and take time to create proper systems for recycling various paper, cardboard, plastic, metal and electronic products.
5. Engage in carbon offsetting. As an organisation, you can pledge to or participate in programmes that are aligned with making a positive environment impact, such as tree planting.
6. Partner with like-minded vendors. When you work with vendors in your supply chain who are also aligned with reducing their carbon footprint, you will have better access to sustainable products to support your business goals.
7. Go green with renewable energy as it is one of the best ways to fight carbon emissions. Make the switch by speaking to your current utility company on their green energy options or switch to another energy supplier.