4 ways to reduce your carbon footprint as we kick off the new school year

4 ways to reduce your carbon footprint as we kick off the new school year

September 2023 | 3 minute read | Marketing Communication

As we continue to hear about the importance of Net Zero it’s important that we all play our part.  It’s never too young to start learning about making more environmentally conscious decisions.

Together we can take small steps in reducing our carbon footprints – we all have one, but what exactly is a carbon footprint? To put it simply it’s the amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted based on our daily choices1 and by reducing them we can do our part in the journey to Net Zero.

1. Green Transportation

Did you know transport accounts for more than one third of CO2 emissions². In fact emissions from the transport sector need to reduce by a quarter by 2030 in line with Net Zero objectives². Instead of jumping in the car and driving, the kids to school why not consider a more energy efficient way of getting to work or school. You could walk or cycle (don’t forget the helmet), or use public transportation such as a bus or train.

2. Consider your food choices 

It is often considered that agriculture and agricultural related activities account for about a quarter of greenhouse gases with beef being the biggest contributor³. Cutting down meat and dairy might be a good way to reduce your carbon footprint but there are other ways too – buy local and in season, avoid food waste etc³. Why not bring your own reusable cup or cutlery to avoid plastic ones.

3. Sustainable is always in fashion

More than 100bn pieces of clothing are produced globally each year and the fashion industry accounts for 8-10% of global carbon emissions⁴. If you’re children wear a school uniform consider passing older siblings uniform down or donating those that don’t fit to other families in the school. Other items of clothing can also be passed on, repaired or upcycled.

4. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

Digital is better than paper but if you do need to use paper, perhaps you could use both sides and then recycle it when you’re finished⁵. 

To find out more about Net Zero

or to see how you can use your savings to potentially help achieve the global Net Zero objective

Learn more

Sources: 

¹ https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/carbon-footprint-calculator/   

²  https://www.iea.org/energy-system/transport

³ https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-59232599

⁴  https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230421-what-are-the-best-ways-to-reduce-carbon-footprint

⁵  https://8billiontrees.com/carbon-offsets-credits/how-to-reduce-carbon-footprint-at-school/

Important Information

Unless otherwise stated, all information contained in this document is from Amundi Asset Management S.A.S. and is as of 10 September 2023. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss. The views expressed regarding market and economic trends are those of the author and not necessarily Amundi Asset Management S.A.S. and are subject to change at any time based on market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance that countries, markets or sectors will perform as expected. These views should not be relied upon as investment advice, a security recommendation, or as an indication of trading for any Amundi product. This material does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security, fund units or services. Investment involves risks, including market, political, liquidity and currency risks. Past performance is not a guarantee or indicative of future results. 

Date of first use: 10 September 2023

Doc ID: 3096525