In going about our daily routines we all add to the carbon pollution in the atmosphere that contributes to global warming. We produce carbon dioxide emissions directly by driving or flying, and indirectly through goods we purchase and the energy we use. This all adds up to what’s called a carbon footprint.

By calculating your own carbon footprint you’ll be able to roughly find out how many metric tons of CO2 you generate based on your lifestyle. A carbon footprint calculator factors in things like where you live, what type of building you reside in, what method of transportation you use, how much energy you use and where it is generated. Some will also ask for specific kilowatt-per-hour usage, while others ask if you buy local food and how much waste you produce.

There are a number of carbon footprint calculators out there and some are more detailed than others. Your results will vary depending on the amount of information you are asked to input, and are based on national and international averages.

Once you calculate, see if you can find ways to reduce your carbon footprint. There may be some short car trips that you can walk or bike instead; or simple measures you can take around the house to reduce your overall energy consumption, such as turning off lights in unoccupied rooms or unplugging electronics and appliances when not in use.

For the things you can’t reduce or eliminate, you can purchase carbon credits to offset the rest from companies such as TerraPass or CarbonFund.

Find out what your carbon footprint is with one of these calculators:

Environmental Defense

An Inconvenient Truth

The Nature Conservancy

World Resources Institute

Further information from Green Options:

Green Family Values: What’s Your Child’s School’s Carbon Footprint?

Carbon Offsetters Not Always Taking Easy Way Out

Environmental Defense: Inside a Carbon Calculator

Introduction to Carbon Credits

Options for Calculating Your Carbon Offsets

Daily Tip: Offset Your Summer Travel