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 >
The Impacts of Transportation
After calculating my total carbon footprint, I noticed that transportation was my highest category and was much higher than the average person in the U.S. I believe this is because my family and I travel a lot. Statistics show that on average a plane produces a little over 53 pounds of carbon dioxide per mile! Planes have a massive impact on carbon dioxide production. This is why in the future, I would try to avoid flying if there is another way of transportation, or flying less. In addition, I have to drive at least 115 miles for sports every week. This is why it is a good thing I carpool. Things like carpooling, taking the bus, riding your bike or even walking can make a major impact on your carbon footprint. Compared to my peers, my total amount of carbon dioxide released because of my transportation is closer to average because I do things like carpool, and take to the bus everyday to school. Also, having an electric car will decrease the carbon dioxide emissi on into the atmosphere, which is something I would like my family to look into. We should all consider alternative options to help save our atmosphere!