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 >
Reducing my carbon footprint
My carbon footprint was above average in the home electricity category. I can reduce my carbon footprint by turning off the lights anytime I leave a room and also turning off my computer and other electronic devices when I am done using them. Another reason my carbon footprint is that I take long showers. When I take long showers, it increases my carbon footprint. According to the article below, every five minute long shower uses 2.25 pounds of carbon dioxide and uses 2.5 gallons of water per minute. By taking shorter showers I will be wasting less water and less electricity.
I relate to this because my electricity category was above average as well. I can reduce this by turning off lights when I leave rooms, taking shorter and more efficient showers, and not using the washing machine for a certain time. For instance, from 5-8 is the most expensive time to wash and dry clothes.