Ecological Footprint

Ecological Footprint

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           According to The Center for Sustainable Economy's Ecological Footprint online quiz, if everyone lived a similar lifestyle as me, we would need 4.01 earths to sustain the current population! What’s worse is that my carbon footprint is only half that of the average American. My goods and services footprint is about half that of the average American as well, but my food footprint and housing footprint is almost as high as the average American. The largest biome of my footprint is attributed to forestland, accounting for 39.4% of overall footprint. Next in line is pastureland, which accounts for 27.79% of my footprint.

           Taking this assessment is eye-opening and depressing, especially when considering what I’m studying in college- sustainable business. Sustainable living is a challenge for numerous reasons, especially for a college student on a tight budget. However, if I am to advocate for sustainability, it only makes sense that I adjust my own lifestyle and learn to live in a way that can benefit the environment as well as society. Accounting for my ecological footprint is a responsibility that could heed financial obstacles, such as the price of local and organic food in comparison to food that is not local and organic, but I am determined to learn how to live within my means, and in such a way that is conducive to a sustainable environment. 

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Actions to Reduce my Ecological Footprint:

1. Local and Organic Food: I plan to limit the food I eat to only locally sourced, and organic food, and I will compost all leftover produce and recycle packaging to reduce waste. 

2. Eco-friendly Products: I will research the products that I use, including beauty products, shampoos and conditioners, laundry detergent, and dish soap. Additionally, I will begin to replace my products with products that are made with natural ingredients that are safe to the environment. 

3. Ghost Power: I will unplug electronics when not in use and while not at home, and record subsequent changes in my energy bill. 

http://myfootprint.org/subscription.php