The calculation of the CO₂ emissions is based on average values that Ecolytiq collects from publicly available data, studies and research projects on the individual areas of life (e.g. from the Federal Statistical Office).

Of course, we do not know the exact content of your groceries, hence it cannot be taken into account for the calculation. The values represent an average and an approximation, that becomes more accurate in the sum of many transactions.

So there is no distinction yet in the CO₂ footprint, whether you bought minced meat or organic vegetables in the supermarket.

However, you can refine your CO₂ footprint for food transactions by feeding the feedback loop with more information about your diet (do you eat vegan, vegetarian, mixed?). 

In the future, this fine-tuning will be extended to other categories (e.g. traffic/transport).

For starters, it is similar when it comes to differentiating between retailers: whether you buy various t-shirts for 20€ at a discounter or a fair-trade organic t-shirt from Armed Angels for 100€, cannot yet be calculated to the benefit of more sustainable shopping. Also the supermarket itself (discounter or organic shop around the corner) is not differentiated yet. 

The background is the following:

The merchants are recognised and assigned by VISA on the basis of the transmitted codes. Here, for example, the discounter and the organic supermarket are grouped together in the same category. Of course, we are working on making your emissions even more personalised and precise.

Nevertheless, the Footprinting feature is a great start to develop more awareness about the areas of your life that may be hiding CO₂ guzzlers of which you were previously unaware. Or even, what doesn't matter as much as you first thought. Just give it a try!