We are the generation of exponential technology advancement, terrorism, zero privacy…..and the colour green. The sustainability movement has been gaining speed over the last few decades and, after having been helped along the way by a man named Al Gore, is now a mainstream movement. We have been educated about greenhouse gases, global warming and landfill capacity; however, it is difficult for the individual to know what their personal impact on the planet is. That is why the Carbon Footprint Calculator is such a valuable tool.
2.458 tonnes of co2/year
That is my carbon footprint. Compared to the national average of 9.1 tonnes, that is impressively low, and, I have to say, makes me quite proud of myself. However, upon inspection, it becomes clear that this very minimal footprint is due to my particular current situation, and will be nearly impossible for me to maintain as I age.
Because I currently do not have a car and nor do I travel internationally, both my daily commute and international travel are extremely low. However, this is not sustainable, as I will likely start driving a car and traveling more in coming years. The most interesting result was the fact that my diet accounts for the vast majority of my carbon footprint. In order to reduce this, I could look into eating more a more vegetable-based, locally-grown diet.
Tools like this fun, simple online calculator help to increase awareness of what small things can be done to aid in the sustainability movement. The world is going green, are you?
