Once you have an idea of your target carbon emission reductions (see Choose Your Target), you can estimate what activities it will take to meet your goal.

There are many things you can do to reduce your carbon emissions. You have all seen the list, turn off your lights, drive less, turn down your thermostat, change your diet, etc.. The list is endless and confusing. And for good reason. We may all recognize that recycling a plastic bag is less impactful than driving an electric vehicle. Or turning off a light is less impacturl than changing your thermostat settings. But putting quantifying the emission reductions for these things is not easy. Everything Matters Some things Matter More talks about some of these challenges.

Below is a table that provide estimates of emissions from a few different activities. Go through the list and pick which ones fit you. The kg of Carbon emissions saved per day is at the bottom of the table and will change with each item you check. Keep adding activities until you reach your target emission reduction. If you don't make it, that is fine. Commit what you can.

Obviously, the table below is not complete. There are many things that can be done to reduce your emissions. We encourage you to do spend some time thinking about your energy use, estimating their emissions, and ways you can save.

Remember also that these are just estimates; the proof of your reduction is evaluating your energy bills at the end of the year or month (see Tracking your Progress). How much gasoline, electricity, and natural gas did you use in 2026 compared to 2025. Comparing 'before' and 'after' give satisfaction that you are Climate Responsible.

Here are a few key numbers to remember:

  • 1 gallon of gas not used saves about 9 kg of carbon.

  • 1 kWh of electricity not used saves about 0.35 kg of carbon

  • 1 therm of natural gas not used you saves 5.3 kg of carbon.

CHoose Your Change

This total carbon reductions (kg/day) is your estimated commitment. Again you are welcome to calculate your commitment reductions other ways. (Calculate Your Carbon Footprint)

Assume each shirt is is 0.5 lbs. Pants and shoes are 1 lb. **Typical weight of electronics: Iphone = 0.5lbs; Laptop 3.3 lbs; 48"TV 20 lb