My Ecological Footprint

For my first post, I would like to analyze and discuss the topic of my ecological footprint.

Today, I took a test to discover what my personal ecological footprint is. An ecological footprint is the environmental impact a single person makes on Earth. Some factors that contribute to this calculation might be how much motor vehicle traveling (air, sea, land) one does, how much electricity they use, what kind of produce they purchase, etc. I have taken an ecological footprint test before, several years back while taking an environmental science class. Yet, my results were both shocking and eyeopening. I was surprised to find out how much on a less than positive impact I have on our precious and beautiful planet. You may too find my results to be disappointing.

According to the Global Footprint Network, if everyone else in the world lived like me, following the same habits and tendencies, we would need three Earths. Can you believe that?! Wow, I'm sorry guys! I would like to think I live pretty conservatively; turning off unused lights, buying local produce, and driving a relatively fuel efficient car. However, these results proved just the contrary.

After analyzing my results, I soon discovered my carbon emission impact to be one of the main contributor to my astonishing ecological footprint. I could have guessed this just simply due to the fact that I commute 30 minutes to school twice a week. I also enjoy traveling and exploring long distances when given the opportunity. I then discovered my choice of food products to be another main contributor. I believe this to be because I typically choose produce based on the level tastiness and nutritional value, as well as, the company's reputation (Hello! Marketing major here).

However, I initially noticed how low my shelter consumption is. I have to credit my parents for hounding me on avoiding the use of unnecessary electricity when possible, installing Integrated LED lights (no bulbs required) in our home and encouraging us to put on layers rather than turn up the heat.

To further illustrate my results, this particular sites provided information on what my ecological footprint is by global hectares (gha), which is estimated to be 1.7 gha for each person. So as if finding out we would need three Earths wasn't enough, my ecological footprint is slightly over three times the appropriate amount. I carry a 5.2 gha, or 520 acres, impact on the planet. My carbon footprint was expressed as 8.2 tonnes per year, meaning 55 percent of my total ecological footprint is due to my carbon emissions.

Do you know what this means for me though? I now can recognize and address the areas that need improvement. I'm not trying to destroy this planet any more than mankind already has, so I have selected three actions to take in order to reduce my ecological footprint. These actions can be read below:

Support Nutrient Management

I have made the conscious decision to be more aware of where my produce is coming from. I think that it is easy to neglect your health when you're busy, occupied with work and school, or just uneducated on healthy food choices. I like to eat a lot of meat and animal products, which I don't think is a bad thing, but I should be making sure those products are cage-free, grass-fed, organic, and the like. I shouldn't be purchasing any products coming from farms or factories that use synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. With the resources provided by the Drawdown EcoChallenge, I am going to spend a hour on Sundays educating myself on smarter, healthier food choices. This specific site provides a lot of information on how I can narrow my food choices, how to pick cage-free, grass-fed or organic produce, and what kinds of labels to pay attention to (ex: nutritious contents or expiration dates). This small task of spending additional time being more health conscious can reduce my ecological footprint greatly.

Use Muscle Power

What I hope to accomplish by doing this is to cut down how much driving I do. A lot of what I need to get done in the day can either be completed at home rather than a coffee shop, online rather than a brick and mortar store, or even in just one trip to town rather than two or three. I also still live with my parents, so if we were able to coordinate our plans for the day, a lot of our responsibilities could be dealt with either by carpooling or by one person who is already in that area. An example of this is actually something that occurs daily. I currently work for a bank right inside a grocery store. Yet, I always seem to spot my mom walking through the store buying groceries. If we were better able to communicate what is needed at the store, I could shop for all of those items once I am off work instead of her making an extra trip to the grocery store. I currently work everyday of the week, but I would like to dedicate Tuesdays and Saturdays to grocery shopping after work. Both of these dates are when the products are freshly stocked and would allow me sufficient time to communicate with my family members on what is needed at the store. Everything I need or do is in close proximity of one another (appointments, shopping, work, gym, etc.) except for my college. I have to drive 30 minutes to get to school, and unfortunately, the two bus routes leaving my hometown to school do not work with my class or work schedule. However, I am determined to find a way to reduce this area of my ecological footprint.

Restore Wetlands

This actually really excites me! I have spent a lot of time in the past volunteering with the Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group in the restoration of wetlands. My father and I took part in a big tree planting event a few years back and I was surprised by how rewarding the experience was. I enjoyed doing this because I was able to visually see the positive impact I made on our society. Those trees will be there for many, many years to come, and I get to feel good about being a part of something bigger than myself. But like I said, it was few years back. I am going to make it a goal of mine to get more involved with groups like this so that I can continue to make a positive impression on our beautiful planet, and hopefully encourage others to do the same. Currently, I have signed up for the email list through Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group where I can stay up to date on what volunteer events are happening each month and who to contact to get further involved. I have also donated to the organization because I believe in the work these dedicated individuals have been doing and continue to do to benefit our society as a whole. On Saturday, April 21st, there is an Earth Day Celebration at a park nearby my home, and I plan on going to help improve the walking path along the Skagit River. This will give better access to residents visiting the park and also protect a three year old restoration site from harmful foot traffic.

Thanks for reading guys! You too can take the quiz here to determine what your ecological footprint is.

McKenzie T.