To do this, you'll need to make better choices to lessen the impact you have on the environment.
Your carbon footprint is the mark you leave on the environment from carbon emissions linked to your actions. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are known to trap heat, and this causes global warming. So, the less we produce, the better.
And by making steps to reduce your carbon footprint, you can save money at the same time.
From switching to energy-efficient products to generating your own renewable energy, there are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint at home.
When you next buy an appliance, use the National Environment Agency’s tick rating system to compare the energy efficiency of different products. While the initial cost of an energy-efficient air-conditioner might be higher, the savings on your energy bill could soon make up the difference.
Also, you could get a voucher of up to SGD150 towards the cost of an energy-efficient appliance from the Climate Friendly Households (CFH) Programme[@cfh].
While upgrading your home can cost money upfront, changing your habits is free and still makes a difference.
For example, air-conditioning can be an expensive drain of energy. Using a fan and opening windows instead can help circulate fresh air around your home while using less energy.
And when you do need to use the air-conditioner, applying weather stripping and sealant around your doors and windows can help keep the cool air in.
You can also save water at home by turning the tap off while you brush your teeth, taking shorter showers, and only boiling the water you need. All of this will help save energy too, because it takes energy to pump water to our homes.
Switching to a new energy provider could help reduce your monthly energy bill, and you could get rebates for switching your supplier if you use an HSBC credit card.
To reduce your carbon footprint further, consider using a renewable energy supplier. SembCorp Power’s Sunshine plan provides 100% solar energy for your home. Check out the latest HSBC credit card offers to find out how much you could save just by switching.
Making more sustainable purchases can also be better for the planet and save you money.
From using your own coffee flask instead of a takeaway cup to buying better-quality clothes that will last longer, being mindful about your shopping is a great habit to get into.
Take a look at our shopping and dining partners to see how you could earn rewards for eco-friendly spending, while using our recycled plastic credit cards[@plastic-credit-cards]Footnote link 1, plastic-credit-cards.
The food we eat can have a significant impact on the environment. Foods shipped from overseas use a lot more energy than local produce, for example.
But buying sustainable food doesn’t have to mean compromising on taste and quality.
From king oyster mushroom bowls to vegan lentil fritters, One Planet Plate helps you find sustainable, local dishes and recipes to help you make better food choices for the planet.
Food waste is a big energy drain – it takes energy to produce food, transport it to shops, and then dispose of what we don’t use. And if it ends up in landfill, it produces methane – a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide.
To cut down on your food waste, you could:
