This could just as well be a post filed under tips, but since I'm in the midst of a road trip (combined business and pleasure to be as fuel efficient as possible), I thought I'd explore the stats behind Real Costs.

First of all, Real Costs is

a Firefox plug-in that inserts emissions data into travel related e-commerce websites. The first version adds CO2 emissions information to airfare websites such as Orbitz.com, United.com, Delta.com, etc. Following versions will work with car directions, car rental, and shipping websites. Think of it like the nutritional information labeling on the back of food… except for emissions.

And it looks like this:

Here's the Wiki behind Real Costs:

Air travel emissions

1.36 lbs of CO2e per mile per passenger

Average annual emissions per car/truck

.971 lbs CO2e/mile

Bus emissions data

0.05lbs CO2/mile/person

Train emissions data

0.130 lbs CO2/passenger/mile

U.S. Per Person emissions

24.3 tons CO2/person/year

Japan Per Person emissions

10.7 tons CO2/person/year

E.U. Per Person emissions

10.6 tons CO2/person/year

China Per Person emissions

3.9 tons CO2/person/year

India Per Person emissions

1.9 tons CO2/person/year

World average Per Person emissions

5.6 tons CO2/person/year

Too bad the automobile version of Real Costs isn't available yet. I'd love to take a look at the data behind my current Jackson > Park City > Durango > Santa Fe > Salt Lake City > Jackson journey, and see the impacts of flying vs. driving. Oh well, knowing how quickly the folks at Mozilla work, it won't be long.

Stay tuned.

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