What is your carbon footprint?

So, I've been thinking about my monstrous carbon footprint and decided I need to calculate it. On average, Americans emit 27 tons of carbon just for their food and energy use. That doesn't even include other extras, such as pets, energy use away from home (e.g. movies), or buying clothes/furniture/electronics. Europeans emit about half the amount we do, and the average world citizen emits 5.5 tons. The only country that emits more carbon dioxide than the U.S. is China, and our population is much lower. Our emissions account for about 20% of the world emissions, while our population is only 4.5%. If everyone in the world used as many resources as Americans, we'd need nine worlds to keep up (clearly carbon dioxide isn't the only thing going into this estimate). While the European Union may have already decreased their emissions by 11% since signing the Kyoto protocol, emissions in the U.S. have increased by 15%.

So for the American wanting to reduce their carbon footprint, the best thing to do is following the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Of course, carbon is not the only pollutant out there. For example, electricity from coal plants also emits sulfur and mercury into the air, and nuclear plants generate nuclear waste. So while it is possible to buy carbon offsets, it is better to reduce overall pollution and work down to needing just one earth for our demands.

I have found a few carbon calculators. None of them seem to have everything and some of the numbers vary, but here are a few numbers:

The minimalist: You live in a two bedroom apartment with another person, and eat vegetarian organic food. You take measures to conserve energy in the apartment. No pets, and you walk or bike everywhere. Sometimes you go out to eat or to movies. Your impact is 13 1/2 tons of carbon dioxide each year, half the American average.

If this doesn't describe you, add the following:

If you live by yourself in a 1 bedroom apartment, add 4 tons

If you live by yourself in a 2 bedroom apartment, add 9 tons

If you live in an energy efficient 2 bedroom house with someone, add 6 tons

If you live in an energy efficient 2 bedroom house by yourself, add 24 tons

If you don’t use conservation settings for heating/cooling, add 3 tons

If you don’t use energy saver bulbs, add 1 ton

If you don’t use energy efficient appliances, add 2 tons

If you don’t use a water heater blanket and don’t use a low flow shower, add 2 tons

If you are not vegetarian, add 3 tons

If you do not eat organic, add 2 tons

If you do not recycle, add ½ ton

If you drive 12000 miles, add 5 tons for a hybrid, 7 for compact, 9 for sedan, and 10 SUV

If you fly, add 1 ton for every 1200 miles

If you have a cat, add 4 tons

If you have a dog, add 5 tons for a medium dog (e.g. collie), 10 tons for a large dog (e.g. German shepherd) and increase/decrease based on the amount of food comparatively

If you enjoy having the latest in fashion, add ½ ton

If you enjoy having new furniture and electronics, add 1 ton

If you own a car, add 1 ton

If you commute by train, add 1 ton for every 10,000 miles

If you commute by bus, add 1 ton for every 6000 miles

If you commute by subway, add 1 ton for every 8000 miles

To figure out your carbon footprint, try these calculators:

http://www.nature.org/initiatives/climatechange/calculator/

http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx

My carbon footprint is 39 tons this year, half of which is from flying...I estimate next years will be average (for an American that is). To offset your carbon footprint, you can go to terrapass.com and buy carbon offsets at $11/ton.