In our global efforts to combat climate change, technology can serve as a valuable ally. Carbon footprint trackers are helpful tools that have enhanced our ability to monitor and reduce our carbon footprints. By using such an app, you can track your environmental impact over time, receive personalized recommendations to reduce your carbon footprint, and get inspired to choose sustainable alternatives.

Here are some carbon calculator apps to consider:

1. CoolClimate Carbon Calculator: If you’re looking to understand your carbon footprint, but aren’t ready to commit to an app, the UC Berkeley CoolClimate Calculator is a great place to start. This is a free online carbon footprint calculator that helps you estimate your carbon footprint, no sign-up required.
2. Carbon Footprint & CO2 Tracker: The Carbon Footprint & CO2 tracker by The Capture Club is a carbon footprint tracker that aims to make it easy to track and reduce your carbon emissions throughout your daily life. After a brief quiz, the app automatically tracks your emissions based on your travel and lifestyle. If your team at work or school is interested in reducing your impact together, The Capture Club also offers a community version for teams.
3. MyEarth: MyEarth is another carbon footprint tracker that leverages gamification. When you first download the app, you’ll see a polar bear living on a tiny iceberg. As you complete sustainable actions and save carbon, you’ll level up in the app and the iceberg will grow, converting the abstract language of carbon units into an impactful visual.

When selecting the right carbon calculator app for you, consider your sustainability goals, the ease of use, and what features are most important to you. Remember that these apps are just tools, and that it’s how you use them that will determine their value. If none of these apps appeal to you, you can provide your own solution using spreadsheets, a journal, or whatever other system works best. What’s important is taking what you learn from tracking to make positive changes.

Once you see how this is working yourself, think about helping others to do the same sorts of practical actions and let’s aggregate our savings together as a community.