Ecological Footprint

Your ecological footprint is unique for each person. It is something that is determined based on every decision we make that would have some sort of effect on the environment; from buying that organic fruit to eating at Burger King. Everyone makes their "footprint" on this Earth, so why not make it as small as possible? Calculation wise, it is important to understand what category of our livelihood makes the most impact. For myself, food and mobility are the top two with food almost doubling mobility. I would need 2.9 Earths and my Earth overshoot day would be May 6th.

The calculator itself was very thorough in what it asked for to determine my ecological footprint. Was it accurate? I had to guestimate the transportation portion of the calculator to the best of my abilities, but I believe it is pretty accurate.

Just as a thought about overall footprint including at work, we do not recycle anything other than cardboard(which I am a little surprised with how much we use paper). The fact that we do not recycle our paper at work nor turn off all of the lights(which we have no control over) would have to be my two things that would make my footprint higher. Two things that might make my carbon footprint lower would have to be my lightbulbs used within the household and our recent purchase in new blinds. Yes, there was a question that asked about lightbulbs, however most of our lightbulbs are energy efficient already. Also, our purchase in new blinds that block out more sunlight should help reduce the use of our air conditioner.

Going a little off topic, but if I was not married--to a lovely wife I might add--I would definitely be living in what is known as a tiny home. Maybe about 200 sq. ft. and sitting on a trailer, I would be fine living in such small quarters by myself. It is cost-effective, energy-efficient, sustainable, less maintenance is required, and would allow me to live wherever I wanted to; within reason

Seeing how the results were for just myself, I find it hard to believe that little conservation doesn't make that big of an impact. The number itself may not be big, but with continued support and awareness that number can multiply to many different people. Awareness is the key so that people can make the right decision with the right goal in mind.

For my ecological footprint, I am satisfied with where I am. My results were about the national average, and I will start trying to travel to nearby places by foot or bicycle to help reduce my footprint.