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 >
Are long showers REALLY worth it?
A long, hot shower may sound great after an exhausting day, but is it really worth it? It may not cross your mind to worry about the time you take, but it makes a huge difference. When taking 15-30 minute showers, it can use up over 5 lbs of CO2. When looking at 5 minute showers or less, it only uses 0.45-2.25 lbs. This may not sound like a major difference, but when taking showers almost daily year round, it can make a huge difference in your carbon footprint.
I completely agree with this post, because even I can personally take too long of showers at times, and now looking back at that after learning all these new impacts and potential affects it can have on the planet, it’s just simply not worth it. As you stated, you don’t really realize it but the amount of showers you take even every week will really build up your carbon footprint fast, especially if you take a long time. A simple solution to this would be to shower a healthy amount but not too much and make it short and sweet.
I usually take shower for 15-20min, sometimes 5min, considering when I shower. I know that taking shower for 15min is basically the same as showering for 5 min, but I just prefer long, hot showers. Considering what I know now about carboon footprint I will try to take showers for smaller amout of time considering it has the same effect.
I strongly agree with this post. Long hot showers can feel great and you never want to get out. However every minute you spend in the shower adds to your total carbon footprint. If more people take 5 minute showers we can save up to 5 pounds of CO2. Also it doesn't take 15-20 mins to clean your body all the extra time is a waste of water and CO2.