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Earth Day 2019: Use this calculator to figure out your carbon footprint

Posted at 1:26 PM, Apr 21, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-22 08:46:30-04

Earth Day is celebrated every year April 22 and marks the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970, according to earthday.org . The day is celebrated worldwide by bringing attention to environmental issues and stressing the importance of living an eco-friendly existence.

One way people can help the planet is by reducing their carbon footprint.

But what is your carbon footprint? Put simply, your carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases you produce directly and indirectly through everyday activities, such as driving a car or turning on the lights.

Carbon footprints are usually measured in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide, or CO2.

But why is it bad to produce carbon dioxide? It's a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Methane and ozone are other gases that are produced during day-to-day activities and contribute to global warming as well. They are also part of your carbon footprint.

Use the calculator below to see what your carbon footprint is.