An ecological footprint calculates human demand on natural resources compared to the earth's capacity to regenerate them. It estimates how much land and water is needed to support your lifestyle.
To determine your footprint, assess your living habits:
- Transportation methods - car, air and mass transit miles
- Housing size, heating/cooling, appliances and lighting
- Diet including meat consumption and food waste
- Purchasing of goods and services
- Recreation activities
An average American's footprint is over 150% of the renewable resources available per person worldwide. However, small steps make a big difference:
- Walk, bike or take mass transit to lower emissions
- Install solar panels or switch to green energy providers
- Reduce waste through recycling and composting
- Eat locally sourced, plant-based foods
- Choose efficient appliances and lighting
- Buy secondhand goods and sustainable products
By understanding your impact, you can make choices to tread more lightly. With mindful footprints, we build a society that nurtures our planet.