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 >
Brandon: Mooresville, NC, USA (Age 16)
My name is Brandon and I’m a 16 year old student from Mooresville, North Carolina USA. My total carbon footprint was 14,571 kilograms which was below average for my region. Most of my carbon footprint came from transportation; however, I rarely fly on planes or go on vacation. Even though I don’t take long trips, almost every day I drive somewhere, adding to my carbon footprint. I was surprised that my home, food, and purchases carbon footprints were all lower than my region. I thought that I would be more wasteful and have a much higher carbon footprint. I learned that I should try to drive less often and carpool with friends more to decrease my future carbon footprint.
I also had a high transportation although I do not fly much! I agree with the fact that I would be more wasteful. It seems as if a lot of people are just as or more wasteful than us despite our high energy consumption.
I had high transportation for my carbon footprint as well. I agree that I need to start carpooling with friends etc.
I as well try to minimize my footprint's transportation input by carpooling, riding the bus, etc. Even small amounts of daily driving can amount largely.