What is a carbon footprint?

Your carbon footprint is a measure of the impact that you have on the atmosphere and climate system in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) your actions produce. It is called a carbon footprint because GHGs are commonly reported in terms of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e).

The choices you make on a daily basis determine the size of your carbon footprint. Are you going to walk, ride your bike, take the bus or drive to the store/work? Are you going to turn the heat up or put on slippers and a sweater? What kind of foods do you eat? Are they local? Are they organic? Are you going to throw something away or recycle it? Next time you purchase a car will it be an SUV or a more fuel efficient vehicle?

Many individuals, organizations and units of governments have calculated their carbon footprint in order to better understand which of their actions, choice and policies produce or contribute most to their GHG emissions. Determining the major source(s) of your emissions is very helpful in identifying how to best reduce your overall impact, or your carbon footprint.

How big is your footprint?

There are a wide variety of tools on the internet to help individuals and households get a rough idea of the size of their carbon footprint. They’re all little different, but they will all help you determine which of your actions and lifestyle choices contribute most to your climate impact. Home energy use and transportation are commonly the largest sources for Americans. Air travel is another major source; one long trip can make your footprint look like Bigfoot’s.

Check out some of the carbon calculators below, find out how big your carbon footprint is, and consider the impact your that daily choices have on your personal footprint and the climate system.

Carbon calculators

• Cleveland Carbon Fund
• EPA emissions calculator
• Carbon Footprint
• Carbonfund.org
• Act On CO2 (Directgov - UK)
  
• Ecological footprint quiz (Earthday.net)
• Travel emissions calculator (Clean Air Conservancy)
• Food carbon calculator (Bon Appetit Management Company)