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 Decrease My Carbon Footprint
My carbon footprint (5129 kgs) is lower than the California state average (9727 kgs), but higher than the worldwide average which is 3791 kgs. I think that my carbon footprint is relatively low because my family and I rarely travel out of state, and when we do it is to a nearby state like Arizona. I also carpool to school and rarely purchase new items. I was surprised by my results because I thought I would have an above average carbon footprint because of how often I leave the lights on and how often I have my electronics plugged in, but apparently my mistakes are not as major as I originally perceived. I would still like to make my carbon footprint lower or equal to the worldwide average. Are there any more possible solutions to further decrease my carbon footprint?
I think using the most fuel efficient car you have available when you car pool, eating as locally as you can, and trying a little harder to make sure the lights you use get turned off could help decrease it. Also, even though it may not make your footprint decrease, it could help decrease the carbon being released in your area if you try to help others in your family and community cut down on the amount of carbon they are releasing.