10 Simple Ways To Reduce Your Footprint!

What is a Carbon Footprint? Everyone has one! It’s your individual impact on the environment, measured in carbon dioxide units. It is influenced by the amount of greenhouse gasses your car gives out and how much energy your home uses. Find out yours!

(Lisa’s is a 7 ½ stiletto)

Yikes!! Now what? You have two choices – reduce your footprint or offset it! Reduce by conserving energy, offset by sustainable living (or planting a tree)!

Here are Ten Simple Ways To Reduce Your Footprint!

1.) Replace Your Lightbulbs

This is a no brainer - save money and the environment? Yes please! You’ve seen the squiggly bulbs and wondered… now Replace! You will not only save energy but also money on your electric bill by using these efficient bulbs.

2.) Go For A Run Or Walk Outside

Instead of driving to the gym and burning fuel, burn your own fuel – Calorie fuel that is! You’ll feel better getting some fresh air and save the planet at the same time – it’s a two-fer!

3.) Take It Down A Notch

Turn down your thermostat a degree or two in the winter and turn it up in the summer! The only difference you will notice will be in your electric bill! Also - when leaving the house for work or on the weekends, you can lower it significantly and really see a difference!

4.) Pull The Plug

When is the last time you actually used that crock-pot? By unplugging appliances you don’t use on a daily basis or when you aren’t using them, you reduce “phantom energy loss”. What’s this? Phantom energy loss refers to energy drained when inefficient appliances are plugged in but turned off. Unlike your swanky energy star dishwasher – that cell phone charger is out for revenge. Get a power strip to control it or simply unplug the toaster, blender or anything else sitting on your counter!

5.) Buy Produce From A Local Farmer's Market

Organic foods cannot only be pricey – but are not always as "eco-conscience" as you may think. Sometimes they are flown in from the other side of the country or even the world! What’s an eco-stylish solution you ask? Put on some cute flats, sassy sunglasses and grab a big tote you’re heading to the local farmer’s market! Not only is produce usually fresher, it is most likely organic as well. In addition, prices are more than reasonable and you are supporting local commerce!

6.) Organize Your Shopping

Yes, you read that correctly! Put that GPS to good use and do your errands efficiently! Reduce your shopping to one weekly trip and you will not only save energy and gas…but also find yourself with free time to finally read that book you've been using as a coaster for the past month!

7.) Drain Those Water Bottles

The news lately is all about how most bottled water, is actually tap water. Not only are we paying a dollar plus for the stuff, but those plastic bottles are a huge source of wasted energy. Pick up a reusable water bottle or coffee mug that fits your style! A major plus – some of these actually insulate and keep your water cold! Tap water not your thing? Invest in a water filter, such as Brita.

8.) Eat Low Carb

Don’t worry your bread is safe, we mean Eat Low Carbon! By eating vegetarian for one night a week, you can offset the impact on global warming caused by the meat industry, which is quite enormooooos! (like my puns?)

9.) Buy Some Bags

Yes ladies, hit the malls! You don’t need to get the ugly totes to carry your groceries in. Find something you like that you will use for other things as well! Reducing the use of plastic bags largely reduces the amount of oil used to produce them! And if you have a stockpile of plastic bags under your kitchen counter – reuse what you have! Be creative!

10.) Tell Your Friends!

Spread the word about Conserving Made Chic! The more stylish and sophisticated ladies that jump on the green train – the bigger the difference we can make!