So, How Big Is Your Carbon Footprint?

According to a new report, the average commuter in NYC emits about 1,750 pounds of CO2 each year, making New Yorkers some of the greenest commuters in the country. High five! But if you want to know how much your commute is contributing to civilization's imminent doom, Transportation Alternatives has added a handy carbon calculator to their Rolling Carbon website. Simply type in the distance you commute and your mode of transport, and the machine tells you how guilty or self-righteous you should feel! So if you're an SUV driver residing 10 miles from work, you emit 32 pounds of carbon dioxide every day. To offset all that carbon, you would need to plant 46 trees every year. Or you could just stop being such a tool.[Photo cred.]

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By John Del Signore in News on October 9, 2008 2:39 PM

Comments [rss]

NannyState

Oops, I just farted.

NannyState

I emitted 22 ounces just reading this, and I didn't even fart.

babyhitler

I'm fucking awesome. I emit 1 pound a week.

hard times

a much, much more informative look at your personal impact on the world's environment:

http://sustainability.publicradio.org/consumerconsequences/

UnrepentantFenian

Check your sources. Why do people keep pandering to those zealots at Transportation Alternatives. Saying they're an authority on transportation is like saying Al Sharpton speaks for all black people.

JenChungsBaby

The only CO2 I emit while commuting is what I breathe out my lungs while walking through Central Park.

grove

"If New York City had the same commute pattern as Copenhagen, where 35% of commuters ride a bike, 9% walk or telecommute, 33% use transit and 23% drive, the City's annual carbon footprint would be 900 million pounds less."

Ides you first!

ides_of_march

If you think co2 is bad, lead by example - stop exhaling.

Jen Chung

Stat from the site: "If just 10% of drivers and taxi users took the Subway one day a week, the City would emit 48 million fewer pounds of CO2."