With today’s advanced technologies and the convenience of the internet, it is no surprise that anyone can go online and visit one of the many different websites that provide their own carbon footprint calculator. A carbon footprint calculator will not only estimate your carbon footprint, but some will also list ways to reduce your impact. Since global warming and climate chance are becoming bigger threats to us here on planet Earth everyday, it is important for everyone to be aware of their carbon footprint.

Your carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gases you create by doing certain actions. For example, driving a car will produce carbon dioxide which is a greenhouse gas. If you are controlling the temperature of your home with any of the commonly used fossil fuels, that will produce carbon dioxide as well which will add to your carbon footprint.
Many scientists have done studies that suggest the bigger one’s carbon footprint is, the harder it is to prevent or stop global warming and climate change.

A carbon footprint calculator will usually start by asking the individual what type of home they live in, whether it is a house or an apartment, and if they live with anybody else. Next the carbon footprint calculator will ask what state the person lives in. This is done to provide the state average carbon footprint. Once these basic questions are answered, the carbon footprint calculator will ask more personal questions about the amount of energy they use at home, how much they drive a car and how often they fly. The carbon footprint calculator may also ask about the person’s eating habits, like if they eat meat or organic foods. Finally, one of the most important factors the carbon footprint calculator will ask is if the participant recycles. Not just in terms of putting plastic and glass bottles or containers in recycling bins, which is also very important, but do they re use anything in their own home.

Climate change is a major threat to our world. It is very important that every member of this planet does whatever they can do make it a cleaner and safer place. If you can walk or ride a bike to school or work, you should do so if the weather permits. If you can afford a hybrid car, that will greatly reduce the amount of energy you use and polluting gas you produce. Recycle at every opportunity you can. Most neighborhoods have a recycling system and it is very easy to put all recyclable items into a separate bin from your regular trash. Every individual can make a difference with their own carbon footprint.