Geretoster

Our calculator provides estimates based on average emission factors for different activities and consumption patterns. While it may not be as precise as a detailed life-cycle assessment, it gives you a reliable estimate of your relative impact across different lifestyle categories. The calculations are based on peer-reviewed research and government emissions data.

We've designed this calculator to be accessible and easy to use while still providing meaningful results. Many people don't have their exact numbers readily available, and research shows that simpler calculators actually get used more often. If you want more precise calculations, we recommend checking your utility bills and odometer readings and using more detailed calculators available from environmental organizations.

We recommend recalculating every 3-6 months, or whenever you make significant lifestyle changes (like moving to a new home, changing jobs, or altering your diet). Tracking your footprint over time helps you see the impact of the changes you're making and stay motivated to continue reducing your environmental impact.

Many factors influence individual carbon footprints, including where you live, your income level, family size, and personal choices. The averages are meant to provide context, not to suggest what's "normal" or desirable. If your footprint is higher than average, focus on the categories where you have the most impact. If it's lower, that's great—consider sharing your strategies with friends and family!

While carbon offsets can help mitigate your impact, we always recommend reducing your actual emissions first. Offsets should be seen as a complement to, not a replacement for, lifestyle changes. If you're interested in offsets after reducing your footprint as much as possible, look for reputable programs certified by organizations like Gold Standard or Verified Carbon Standard.

The global average of about 4.8 tonnes CO2 per person per year is calculated by dividing total global emissions by the world population. However, this varies dramatically by country—from less than 1 tonne in some developing nations to over 15 tonnes in some wealthy countries. These disparities reflect differences in lifestyle, infrastructure, and economic development.

While water conservation is incredibly important, this calculator focuses specifically on carbon emissions. The energy used to pump, treat, and heat water does contribute to your carbon footprint indirectly, which is captured in your home energy usage. We may add a water-specific calculator in the future to complement this tool.

You can take a screenshot of your results page to share on social media or with friends and family. We're working on adding social sharing buttons and the ability to save your results to your account (coming soon!). Sharing your footprint can spark important conversations about sustainability.

No, we don't store your personal data or answers. All calculations are done in your browser, and your results disappear when you close the page or click "Start Over." We value your privacy and believe environmental action should be voluntary and transparent.

Individual actions are important, but systemic change is crucial too! Consider getting involved with environmental organizations, supporting climate-friendly policies and politicians, talking about these issues with your network, and encouraging your workplace or school to adopt sustainable practices. Collective action creates the biggest impact.