An 'online 'carbon calculator' launched today will work out the impact of your lifestyle on the planet. Repak, the recycling promotion agency which developed the system - said it is the first publicly accessible one of its kind in Ireland.
Minister for the Environment John Gormley said the internet calculator, at www.repak.ie, would help people reduce their carbon footprint.
Users can determine their environmental impact by confidentially inputting details of their daily routine onto the website.
It will assess home heating methods, calculate energy consumption and investigate types of insulation being used by the householder.
It will also gauge the type of lighting used at home as well as the impact of their transport use, from private cars to long-haul flights.
The user, who remains anonymous, is instantly provided with a monthly breakdown of carbon emissions, broken down into three separate sections: Home Energy Usage, Transport and Flights.
They are also given a comparative average for their lifestyle and practical hints and tips on how to reduce their carbon footprint.
"Repak's carbon calculator is the latest example of the excellent work they do to promote recycling and the environment," Mr Gormley said.
Andrew Hetherington, chief executive of Repak emphasised the website's suggestions and tips on reducing one's carbon footprint.
"Recycling is one way in which people can have a serious impact on carbon emissions and our overall environmental impact by lowering our primary resource use."
Repak said it has diverted more than 3 million tonnes of used packaging from landfill, resulting in around 2.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent savings, since it was set up in 1997.