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Impact2 min read15 January 2026
What We Mean by 'Measurable Impact'
How Play for Planet Earth calculates and presents real environmental impact — from CO₂ savings to waste reduction.
Beyond Feel-Good Metrics
Many sustainability apps tell you you're "making a difference" without showing how. PfPE is different. We calculate real environmental impact for every quest completed.
What We Measure
CO₂ Emissions Saved
Every transport, energy, and food quest calculates estimated CO₂ reductions based on established research:
- Cycling instead of driving: ~0.21 kg CO₂ per km
- Meatless meal: ~2.5 kg CO₂ per meal
- LED bulb switch: ~40 kg CO₂ per year
Waste Diverted
Recycling and waste reduction quests track:
- Weight of waste diverted from landfill
- Types of materials recycled
- Food waste prevented
Energy Reduced
Energy-focused quests measure:
- Estimated kWh saved
- Equivalent CO₂ reduction
- Cost savings (where applicable)
Nature & Biodiversity
Nature quests track:
- Trees planted
- Green spaces maintained
- Wildlife habitats supported
How We Calculate
Our impact calculations are based on:
- Published research from DEFRA, IPCC, and academic sources
- Conservative estimates — we'd rather undercount than overstate
- Transparent methodology — we publish our calculation methods
- Regular updates — we refine calculations as better data becomes available
Why It Matters
Measurable impact serves everyone:
- Individuals see their real contribution
- Schools can report on programme outcomes
- Councils get data for sustainability targets
- Partners can verify the ROI of their campaigns
Impact you can see. Progress you can prove.
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