Use These Online Calculators to Lead a More Sustainable Life

So you want to go green. But where do you start? Unless your sibling or significant other happens to be a green energy specialist or sustainable living expert, the path to true eco-friendliness and energy efficiency is difficult to take. Often times homeowners will simply spend money on perceived fixes because some TV talking head said so, while failing to address aspects of their lives that result in the most energy waste and ecological abuse. In fact, many people miss the easy fixes altogether due to obsessing over the big stuff.

While they won’t replace the advice of a paid expert, free online calculators are great tools for getting you on the right track as far as greener living is concerned. Even just by bookmarking and using the following five calculators, you’re sure to increase the likelihood of making changes that will equal real and noticeable results:

Refrigerator Retirement Savings Calculator
Millions of Americans continue to use outdated refrigerators despite the fact that such inefficient appliances can account for one-sixth of your energy bill. Use this calculator to determine whether or not it’s worth it to replace your existing fridge with a newer model.

Household Emissions Estimator
Using data about your home and lifestyle, this calculator will inform you as to the likely amount of CO2 you’re pumping into the atmosphere annually. By seeing the result and tweaking the factors in accordance to what you can change, you can see the difference it will make to the air you breathe.

Fuel Economy Comparison Calculator
With fuel prices soaring, hardly anybody can afford to drive a car that isn’t fuel efficient. Before making a final decision on your take automobile purchase, run your options through this online catalog of vehicle fuel economy. That way you can be certain your car is pumping as little exhaust into the air as possible.

Home Energy Savings Calculator
While the emissions calculator just tells you your annual CO2 output, the Home Energy Saver uses virtually the same data to instead recommend specific adjustments you can make to your home to improve efficiency and minimize waste. From a simple switch to CFLs to Duro Last roofing materials, this calculator will recommend the best steps forward for you.

Carbon Footprint Calculator
This calculator won’t offer you information regarding ways to save money, but it will provide you with the most accurate carbon footprint estimation you can receive for free. Available through the Nature Conservancy’s website, the carbon footprint calculator even utilized dietary habits and annual airline miles when determining how much CO2 you’ll be responsible for in the course of your life.

Going green isn’t easy when you’re tasked with doing it yourself. That’s why the aforementioned online calculators are so handy – they let you get a better look at the problem as well as the possible solutions. Put them to good use, and you’re sure to lead a more sustainable life as a consequence.