Five Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

In honor of Earth Day, Arlington Patch is bringing you a series of stories on how to be more "green" at home and in your community. 

This week we have the top five ways to reduce your carbon footprint and help Arlington at the same time. 

1. Buy organic and local: When possible, buy organic or "fair trade" products. The shorter the distance these products have to travel from farm to fork-- the better they are for your health and for the environment. Try shopping at in Arlington Heights or hit up an upcoming in town for fresh produce grown on local farms. The same "buy organic" rule of thumb goes for coffee, which often has a large carbon footprint because of the distance those beans had to travel to get here and how they were produced.  both offer free trade options. Also, try eating at restaurants that serve locally produced or seasonal foods like ,  , or 
2. Pay Attention to Packaging: When you're shopping for groceries, make sure to keep packaging to a minimum. For example, you may chose to buy the loose apples rather than boxed or plastic-wrapped apples. Also, take reusable bags to the grocery store so you don't have to use paper or plastic bags to bring your groceries home after each trip to the store., and all sell canvas totes right at the checkout counter so you don't have to chose "paper or plastic" when you hit the cash register.
3. Ditch Bottled Water: Bottled water has a huge carbon footprint. Try buying a reusable water bottle and recycling plastic water bottles that you already have. 
4. Energy-Proof Your Home: Making a few minor adjustments around your home will help you save green while going green. Make sure all of your windows close properly and that the attic in your home is properly insulated. Also, be sure to keep your heating and cooling systems maintained properly and switch to reusable filters when possible. For more ideas on how to make your home more energy efficient, check out our tips .
5. Drive Less: Try carpooling to work or running errands with a buddy so that everyone isn't wasting gas (and emitting unnecessary carbon monoxide into the atmosphere). If you're heading into Boston or nearby towns, consider taking public transit. The makes Arlington a very bike-friendly town, and with warmer weather coming in, biking can be a healthier, more enjoyable and more environmentally-friendly way to get around.