New carbon footprint calculator launched

The originators of the first ecological footprint calculator launched a new and improved version last week. Earth Day Network, an international environmental-advocacy organization, designed the calculator to be more user-friendly, accurate and fun with a 3-D avatar situated on a block in a virtual neighborhood. Questions address food consumption, energy use, modes of transportation, type of residence, recycling habits and spending habits; and offers a “what if” scenario showing how slight lifestyle changes produce major ecological benefits. Take the quiz at www.earthday.net/ecofootprint.