Abstract:
Purpose: Understanding the direct consequences of our lifestyle and consumption choices requires
the use of a common unit of equivalency that can relate elements of different nature. There are
many international calculation programs available online, but all of them proved to be inadequate
for a local application. A free of charge, Argentina-based calculator software with an educational
purpose has been developed to disseminate and raise awareness amongst local citizens about the
environmental impacts generated by the daily habits of each individual.
Methods: The reference calculations are based on specific regional data from Mendoza and
Argentina, implementing several original research results for the CLIOPE group, complemented
by methodologies from the Water Footprint Network and the Global Footprint Network
Results and discussion: The Yupi software ® allows its users to calculate their scores in relation to
carbon, water and ecological footprints by just filling out a form in a few minutes. The program ́s
language and variables reflect the local lifestyle choices and therefore provide more accurate
calculations than the foreign calculators.
Conclusions: The strategy of creating a free online program, accessible by everyone has proven to
be very adequate due to its simplicity of language; user-friendliness and interface attractiveness;
which have proven to be an important factor when seeking an effective transference from scholarly
research to community outreach.