There are quite a few options we can do that either cost nothing to do, or even save money compared to the higher emission option.
Animal meat is usually more expensive than a plant based diet. Quorn is on par or cheaper than ground beef, homemade Seitan from vital gluten comes out to around $1.80/lb. Tofu, lentils, and beans are also extremely cheap. Red meat is the most polluting, so even just switching to chicken + vegetarian options would make a substantial difference.
Turning the temperature down in the winter will use substantially less energy and lower your bills, and can be compensated for with the use of hot water bottles, heating pads, and bundling up, along with other methods.
Consider joining your local Strong Towns (if you live in the US) to help make non-car transport more viable, even for rural areas.
Buy used instead of new where possible, and buy as little as needed.
There are low-cost solar options that can be implented slowly over time, and can be made extremely affordable using used panels from Craigslist/Facebook marketplace.
All of these combined will drastically lower your emissions. As an individual it wouldn’t impact much, but done collectively, it can make a genuine difference. I can at least vouch that you’d be joining in with me :p
There are quite a few options we can do that either cost nothing to do, or even save money compared to the higher emission option.
All of these combined will drastically lower your emissions. As an individual it wouldn’t impact much, but done collectively, it can make a genuine difference. I can at least vouch that you’d be joining in with me :p