Students from around the world calculated their class mean and standard deviations for their footprints and posted them on our world map.
Do you see differences across the globe? If so, why do you think those differences exist?
Did you use the calculator to try to reduce your footprint down to the average from a citizen of another country? What changes would you have to make to lower your footprint in this way? Are you going to try and take some of these actions in your daily life?
Student Footprints >
Science & The Environment
Taking the carbon footprint calculator quiz really made me aware of my negative impact and how much I take for granted. I didn’t fully grasp how many things I use on the daily contribute so heavily to my carbon footprint. For example, I never factored in how my transportation and energy use habits (taking the bus, using my fan for more than 6 hours occasionally) can harm the environment. I also found it interesting how an average Californian’s footprint is 9,727 kgs per year, in relation to the average citizen worldwide who emits 3,791 kgs per year. At first I was proud that my footprint was smaller than the average Californian’s, before I looked at the world average and realized I have a lot farther to go. In the end, this information inspired me to look at my own life and make important changes. In the past few days, I’ve stopped using my fan and instead began opening my windows. I make sure to turn off all lights when leaving a room, and got a few more potted plants for my room.