Driving Toward Lower Emissions

Long road trips can create a substantial carbon footprint. This calculator estimates how many pounds of carbon dioxide are produced from the gasoline you burn, then converts that amount into an estimated offset cost. Offsetting funds projects such as tree planting or renewable energy that remove the same quantity of CO₂ from the atmosphere.

Formula for Emissions

Fuel burned is distance divided by miles per gallon. Each gallon of gasoline produces roughly 8.89 kg of CO₂. The equation for trip emissions is:

(kg)

where $D$ is miles driven and $M$ is miles per gallon.

Offset Price

Offset programs typically charge a rate per metric ton of CO₂. By converting kilograms to tons and multiplying by this rate, you see approximately how much you would pay to balance your road trip:

$C=\frac{E}{1000}P$

where $P$ is the cost per ton. Choose a trusted offset provider and consider combining offsets with fuel-efficient driving techniques or route planning to reduce emissions in the first place.

Why Offset?

Offsetting is not a perfect solution, but it helps mitigate the climate impact of unavoidable trips. This tool offers a quick estimate so you can incorporate offset costs into your travel budget. You might also compare different vehicles or driving speeds to see how changes in fuel efficiency affect your carbon footprint.