Booklet gives public chance to calculate carbon footprint

A GOVERNMENT booklet that aims to help people calculate their carbon number and that gives tips on slashing greenhouse gas emissions was launched yesterday.

Almost 90,000 people have already used the online carbon calculator at change.ie, launched last May, but the new pamphlet is targeted at those without internet access. Environment Minister John Gormley said people must think twice about the impact of their lifestyle on the environment.

“Much of what we do involves the use of energy generated through burning coal, oil, gas and peat so the way we live, work and travel has a huge bearing on climate change,” Mr Gormley said. “Everyone is very conscious of financial cost these days and tries to live toa certain financial budget but we want to help people to realise the environmental cost of their activities too.”