Carbon Footprint Calculator
Calculate your environmental impact by estimating your carbon dioxide emissions from various activities.
About Carbon Footprint
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions. The average carbon footprint for a person in the United States is 16 tons, one of the highest rates in the world.
Why Carbon Footprint Matters
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing humanity today. The greenhouse gases we emit trap heat in the atmosphere and are causing global temperatures to rise. To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, scientists recommend reducing our carbon footprints to under 2 tons per person per year by 2050.
Major Contributors to Carbon Footprint
- Transportation: Cars, flights, and other fossil-fuel powered transportation
- Home Energy: Electricity, heating, and cooling
- Food: Meat and dairy production have particularly high emissions
- Shopping: Manufacturing and transporting consumer goods
- Waste: Landfills produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas
Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
- Drive less: Walk, bike, carpool, or use public transportation
- Fly less: Consider video conferencing or trains for shorter trips
- Eat plant-based: Reduce meat and dairy consumption
- Conserve energy: Use energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting
- Switch to renewable energy: Install solar panels or choose a green energy provider
- Reduce, reuse, recycle: Buy less, choose used items, and recycle properly
Example Reductions
- Replacing a car commute with public transit: 2 tons/year
- Going vegetarian: 0.8 tons/year
- Switching to LED bulbs: 0.1 tons/year
- Installing solar panels: 1.5 tons/year
- One less roundtrip transatlantic flight: 1.6 tons
Small changes add up to make a big difference when adopted by many people.