Skip to main content

“If we understand the events of the past, we can
avoid the predictable dangers in the future.”

-former United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower

We are dedicated in encouraging individuals and organizations to take a pledge to reduce their carbon footprint, which is the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by their activities. The Carbon Footprint Pledge may involve a commitment to using renewable energy, reducing energy consumption, choosing low-carbon transportation options, and adopting other sustainable practices. By reducing your carbon footprint, individuals and organizations can help to mitigate climate change and promote a more sustainable future.

Pledge Your Carbon FootPrint

235,763

Outreach Partners

132,000+

Trees Planted

400,043

Pledges

Frequently Ask Question (FAQs)

1. What is carbon footprint and what human activities are contributing to it?

Carbon footprint refers to the amount of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, that are released into the atmosphere as a result of human activities.
some common activities that contribute to an individual’s carbon footprint:

  • Transportation: Driving a car, flying in a plane, or taking public transportation all contribute to carbon emissions.
    A single passenger car emits around 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year
    A round-trip flight from New York to Los Angeles, that is, 4,938 miles (7,950 kilometers), emits around 1.2 metric tons of carbon dioxide per person.
    Taking public transportation emits around 0.4 metric tons of carbon dioxide per person per year.
  • • Home energy use: Heating and cooling a home, as well as using appliances and electronics, all require energy that often comes from burning fossil fuels.
    A home heated with natural gas emits around 5.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, while a home heated with oil emits around 7.2 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.
  • Diet: The production of food, particularly meat and dairy, can have a significant carbon footprint due to the energy required to raise, transport, and process the food.
    A meat-based diet can have a carbon footprint of around 3.3 metric tons of carbon dioxide per person per year, while a vegetarian diet can have a carbon footprint of around 1.7 metric tons of carbon dioxide per person per year.
  • Consumer goods: The production and transportation of consumer goods, such as clothing, electronics, and household items, can also contribute to carbon emissions.
    The production of one pair of jeans can emit around 33.4 kg of carbon dioxide, while the production of a smartphone can emit around 16 kg of carbon dioxide.
  • Waste disposal: The disposal of waste in landfills, particularly food waste and plastics, can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. According to a report by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American generates around 4.9 pounds (2.2 kg) of waste per day, which amounts to around 1,790 pounds (812 kg) of waste per year. This can generate around 0.83 metric tons of CO2 equivalent (tCO2eq) of greenhouse gas emissions per person per year.
  • Travel and leisure activities: The carbon footprint of tourism varies depending on factors such as transportation, accommodation, and activities, but it is estimated to be around 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

2. How much carbon footprint do I as an individual contribute to global warming?

The amount of carbon emissions produced by an individual per year can vary depending on various factors such as their lifestyle, energy consumption, and travel habits. However, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American’s carbon footprint is approximately 16 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year.

3. How many trees would it take to absorb the total average individual carbon footprint per year?

The amount of carbon dioxide that a single tree can absorb varies depending on the species, age, and location of the tree. On average, a mature tree can absorb approximately 48 pounds (22 kilograms) of CO2 per year.
To calculate the number of trees required to sequester the average individual carbon footprint per year, we can use the following formula:

Number of trees = (total carbon footprint) / (amount of CO2 absorbed per tree)

Plugging in the numbers, we get:

Number of trees = 16,000 kg CO2eq / (22 kg CO2 per tree per year) = 727 trees

Therefore, it would take approximately 727 trees to sequester the total average individual carbon footprint per year.

4. How much would it cost to grow 727 trees that would sequester 16 metric tons of individual’s carbon footprint (CO2) emission equivalent per year?

The cost of growing 727 trees that would sequester 16 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year can vary depending on various factors such as the region, the type of trees, the cost of labor, and the cost of inputs such as fertilizer, water, and other resources.

However, a rough estimate of the cost can be obtained based on the average cost of planting and maintaining trees. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the average cost of planting a tree is around $1 to $3 per tree. The cost of maintaining the tree can vary from $25 to $100 per year, depending on the region, the type of tree, and the level of maintenance required.

Assuming a cost of $2 per tree for planting and $50 per tree per year for maintenance, the total cost of growing 727 trees for one year would be:

Cost of planting 727 trees = 727 trees x $2/tree = $1,454
Cost of maintaining 727 trees for one year = 727 trees x $50/tree/year = $36,350

Therefore, the total cost of growing 727 trees that would sequester 16 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year would be approximately $37,804 for the first year. The cost of maintenance is likely to decrease in subsequent years as the trees mature and require less maintenance.

5. How can the carbon footprint pledge goal be achieved?

While it may seem like a monumental task for an individual to contribute towards growing 727 trees that would sequester 16 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year, it is important to note that collective efforts can make a significant impact in achieving this task.

Small contributions from many individuals can add up to a substantial impact, and there are several ways in which people can contribute towards growing and maintaining trees. For example, individuals can participate in community tree-planting events, support reforestation projects through donations, or even plant and maintain trees on their own property.

You may also want to join us in making a real impact on climate change. The MOST effective way for you to do so is by partnering with us and making a carbon footprint pledge and donation. Together, we can achieve our Green Revolution project target of growing 500 million trees by 2030 to combat the individuals’ and organizations’ carbon footprint that is causing global warming. Your contribution will make a significant difference in shaping a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Furthermore, organizations and governments can also play a significant role in supporting reforestation efforts. This can include implementing policies to support tree-planting and reforestation, providing funding and resources for tree-planting projects, or partnering with private organizations to support sustainable reforestation efforts.

Ultimately, achieving the goal of growing 727 trees that would sequester 16 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year will require a collective effort from individuals, organizations, and governments around the world. By working together, we can make a significant impact in addressing the global challenge of climate change.

6. How much carbon footprint is corporate organizations contributing to global warming?

The total global greenhouse gas emissions vary year to year, but according to the latest available data from 2019, the total global greenhouse gas emissions (including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and other greenhouse gases) were approximately 52.5 billion metric tons of CO2 equivalent. This includes emissions from sources such as transportation, electricity generation, industry, agriculture, and land use changes. The accumulation of these greenhouse gases in the atmosphere contributes to global warming and climate change.

Here are some global estimates for the amount of carbon dioxide released by each activity corporate organizations:

Energy consumption: varies widely depending on the size and type of organization and the location, but on average, commercial buildings worldwide emit 118 metric tons of CO2 per year, and industrial facilities worldwide emit 228 metric tons of CO2 per year.

Transportation: varies widely depending on the industry and transportation mode, but on average, transportation accounts for 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Supply chain: varies widely depending on the industry and supply chain, but on average, global supply chains are responsible for over 90% of the greenhouse gas emissions of some industries, such as food and beverage.

Waste: varies widely depending on the type and amount of waste, but on average, global municipal solid waste accounts for 5% of greenhouse gas emissions.

Buildings: varies widely depending on the size and type of building, but on average, buildings account for 28% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Again, these estimates are general and may not reflect the specific circumstances of every activity or organization. Additionally, the estimates for corporate organizations are based on averages and may not reflect the carbon footprint of every organization within a given industry or location.