The average American is responsible for about 20 tons of carbon dioxide emissions a year, a far greater per capita number than that of any other industrialized country. In fact, the US accounts for more than 20% of the world's total greenhouse gas emissions.
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide) you generate.
By measuring your carbon footprint, you can get a better idea of how you impact global warming and climate change. This can help you to shrink your carbon footprint and minimize your personal impact on the climate.
The carbon footprint calculator estimates CO2 emissions for energy use and transportation which represent approximately 40% of all U.S. emissions.
The calculator only takes a minute or two:
http://multimedia.wri.org/safeclimate_calculator.cfm
"Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you." ~ Pericles (495-429 B.C.)