Ecological Footprint

After taking the Ecological Footprint Quiz, I found that if everyone on the Earth lived like I do we would need 4.3 Earths. I found this quite shocking because I have always found myself such a environmentally conscious person.

At first I was doing quite well. I always try to unplug unnecessary appliances, like my toothbrush and my cell phone charger. It wasn't until I quized myself on what I ate and how I drove that I truly understood how bad my habits are. For example, I drink a lot of coffee, and I never knew it has such an ecological impact on the planet. I also drive a lot by myself. I live so close to campus it now seems ridiculous not to ride my bike to class (I'm sure I would get a better parking spot!).

As I monitored my food intake, I realized that some reductions could be made. I like to snack on fruit all day, and although this may be healthy to me, it could be unhealthy for our planet. All this snacking can defenitely add up and have very taxing effects on our planet.

I also paid attention to the packaging of items. When I opened my lunchbox today, all I saw was plastic sandwich bags with snacks in it. I could have just as easily put my snacks in Gladware containers that are re-usable. I also bought a pre-made sandwich today, it was wrapped in Saran Wrap. All of this things could be eliminated without any harm to me.

My fuel usage was a shock as well. I could not believe that I drove one-thousand miles a month. I only drive to school and to work! I realized that I need to have some serious changes in my communiting if I am going to alter my impacts at all.

This quiz was extremely eye-opening. I have always tried to do my part in my household. I have put bricks in our tanks on top of our toilets, and I unplug appliances. What this quiz helped me realize is that there is plenty to be done outside of the household as well. There is a "green" way to do everything in your life.