These days, the primary environmental problem that most people are aware of is global warming. So many of the comforts that we depend on have a negative impact on the environment, but how much of an impact? If one is inclined to find out, there are many tests available online that will likely make you feel just horrible about your living situation. It’s true! But finding this out is the first step to discovering that it is completely possible to reduce your impact.
Here are some fun online tests that can measure anything from car emissions (for those lucky mobile students) to flight emissions (sadly, a very large amount for those visiting California every time there is a holiday) to home emissions.
Carbon Footprint : Apparently this is the “internet’s best online carbon footprint calculator.” I disagree since I don’t know how much heating oil I burn annually. What is nice about this calculator is the secondary option that asks questions about the food you eat and the clothes you wear.
BP Energy Calculator : I love this one. It’s so fun and it has a little guy in a room that bounces! Way to go, BP Energy, way to go.
Carbon Counter : This one makes it easier to estimate your carbon emissions. Unless you live off campus, most of you don’t receive bills with exact amounts of kilowatts used monthly.
Climate Friendly : This one pretends it’s Amazon (you’ll see why) and needs exact amounts of kilowatts used and miles driven.
Consumer Consequences : A game that demonstrates whether or not you are currently living sustainably.
Oddly enough, after some of these tests there is an option of paying to reduce your carbon imprint. I’m not precisely sure how that works. It says your money will fund carbon-reducing projects, but I know I’ll just show support for these projects by voting for Obama instead. Alternative energy plan, here we come!