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 >
Ways to reduce one's carbon footprint
Although it may be difficult to maintain a sustainable lifestyle, especially if the culture or society is very materialist, there are creative ways to reduce one's carbon footprint in small ways that can build up over time.
One could be more accepting of 'hand-me-downs' instead of heading to stores and purchasing new clothing; not everything has to be new to be wearable. If one has to buy something, it is better to purchase an item of clothing that is durable, and is able to last a long time.
Another way of reducing carbon footprint is to have a power strip so that every time electronics are not in use, simply switching off the power strip would immediately cease power to the electronics. This is much more efficient than manually pulling the plug of multiple electronics off of multiple wall outlets.
A last example of creative methods to reduce one's carbon footprint is the eco-friendly option of utilizing solar-powered cookers to cook one's food. No need to use the microwave or create long-burning fires to heat up a meal.
The first two ideas, plus more creative methods, can be found in this article: https://sustainability.wisc.edu/14-ways … footprint/
I-Pre-SJR State