REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

Small changes add up. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to go all in, CET can help you understand your carbon footprint and take practical steps to reduce it… at your own pace.

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what’s in your footprint?

The average U.S. household generates over 100,000 pounds of CO₂ per year. Most emissions come from everyday choices, not extreme ones.

28%

Transportation

Driving & flying

27%

Home Energy Use

Heating, cooling, appliances.

31%

Goods & Services

Buying new instead of reuse

14%

Food

Diet choices and food waste

Your personal decarbonization roadmap

After taking the quiz, you’ll land in one of three levels. Each level meets you where you are and shows realistic next steps… no guilt, no pressure

Level 1

🌱 Carbon Caretaker

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🌱 Carbon Caretaker – Beginner level participation

You’re taking the first steps. These are low or no-cost actions that improve comfort, reduce waste, and create immediate impact.

Examples of actions:

Switch to LED lighting
Seal air leaks and improve insulation
Recycle correctly and start composting
Use low-flow water fixtures
Walk, bike, or use public transit for short trips
Estimated impact:

~11,000 lbs of CO₂ reduced per year
(~250 trees equivalent)

Perfect if you’re building awareness and a plan.

Download the resource
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Level 2

🌿 Carbon Cutter

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🌿 Carbon Cutter – Intermediate level participation

You’re ready for moderate investments that lead to bigger energy savings and long-term efficiency.

Examples of actions:

Full home weatherization and air sealing
Install a heat pump water heater
Use reclaimed materials for renovations
Upgrade to Energy Star appliances
Carpool or increase public transit use

Estimated Impact

~20,500 lbs of CO₂ reduced per year
(~400+ trees equivalent)

Ideal if you want meaningful reductions with clear payback.

Download the resource
Level 3

🌳 Carbon Crusader

🌳 Carbon Crusader – Advanced level participation

You’re leading by example with deep, long-term changes that dramatically cut emissions.

Examples of actions:

Fully electrify your home
Install solar with battery backup
Drive an electric vehicle or replace a second car
Eliminate single-use plastics
Convert lawns to native, drought-resistant plants

Estimated Impact

~40,500 lbs of CO₂ reduced per year
(~1,000 trees equivalent)

For people ready to go all-in and inspire others.

Download the resource

multiply your impact

Small actions, bigger ripple effects.
Your impact doesn’t stop at home.

Share

What you’re doing with friends and neighbors

Bring

These ideas to your workplace or school

Get Involved

In local climate action

Opt Into

Renewable electricity options

are you a business owner?

Whether you’re just getting started or already taking action, CET can help you assess your impact and chart a clear path forward.

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Supported by Hitchock Center for the Enviroment

This carbon footprint education initiative is led by CET and made possible with support from the Hitchcock Center for the Environment, whose mission is to inspire action for a healthy planet through environmental education. Together, we’re building a more sustainable and equitable future.

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ready to see where yoy land?

Take the Carbon Quiz to discover your level and get a clear, doable roadmap for reducing your footprint.

join our work, Talk to us!

We’re excited to help you decarbonize with energy and waste solutions.

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