How to Measure Your Carbon Footprint

Your carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases, measured in units of carbon dioxide (CO2), produced by your activities within a given time frame. Since CO2 emissions have been linked to climate change, your carbon footprint can be a useful way of understanding how individuals and households can contribute to global warming. Knowing how your daily life is affecting climate change may inspire you to take action to reduce or offset your carbon footprint with environmentally friendly measures. There is no standard formula for calculating a person's carbon footprint. However, the simplest calculations will take into account fossil fuel consumption.

Instructions

• 1

  Multiply your average monthly electricity bill -- rounded to the nearest dollar -- by 105.

• 2

  Multiply your average monthly gas bill by 105. If you do not use gas, the figure will be zero.

• 3

  Multiply your average monthly oil bill in dollars by 113. If you do not use oil, the figure will be zero.

• 4

  Calculate the total yearly mileage of all of your vehicles. Multiply this figure in kilometers by .79. If you do not own and operate a car, the figure will be zero.

• 5

  Multiply the number of flights of 4 hours or less you take annually by 1,100.

• 6

  Multiply the number of flights of 4 hours or more you take annually by 4,400.

• 7

  Add 184 if you do not recycle newspaper. If you do recycle newspaper, add zero.

• 8

  Add 166 if you do not recycle aluminum and tin. If you do recycle aluminum and tin, add zero.