Interactive Tools

The Web is full of interactive tools that allow you to figure out just how green your home and lifestyle are, and to learn ways to boost your green credentials. Below are a few of our favorites.

Consumer Consequences

American Public Media's interactive game illustrates the ecological impact of our lifestyles: "Consumer Consequences will ask you a series of questions about your lifestyle, and as you play, it will show you how many 'Earths' of natural resources it would take to sustain all 6.6 billion humans . . . if everyone lived like you."

Energy Star Home Energy Yardstick

If you have five minutes and your last 12 months of utility bills, use the Energy Star Home Energy Yardstick to compare your home's energy efficiency to similar homes across the country and get recommendations for energy-saving home improvements from Energy Star.

EPA Household Emissions Calculator

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has developed tools to help individuals (and households) reduce greenhouse gas emissions and take action. Businesses and organizations interested in educating their employees and members about what they can do at home to help protect our climate can also use these tools.

Low Impact Living Impact Calculator

Use this calculator to determine not only your carbon footprint but also your impact on water quality and other environmental indicators. When you're finished calculating your "LILI," the calculator offers a list of projects that can help you reduce your impact and lets you know how much each project will cost upfront and how much it will save you in a year.

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