Ecological Footprint Reduction

The Ecological Footprint measures the natural resources that we need to produce what we consume as well as how much waste we generate. It tracks our use of cropland, grazing land, fishing grounds, built-up land, forest area and carbon-demand on land.

My ecological footprint results shown above shows that we would need 3.4 earths if everyone were to live like me and this was an alarming fact because knowing that I as an individual can make this much impact on the planet is absolutely terrifying.

I also calculated my water footprint and it amounted to 1,544 gallons per day which was a slightly better number compared to the US average of 2,200 gallons per day but I still think I can reduce how much water I use.

After analyzing my results from both calculators, I have come up with three ways that I can make less of an impact on the environment and live a more sustainable life by:

1. Reducing my coffee consumption to 3 cups per week
2. Washing the dishes using the dishwasher because washing by hand wastes more water
3. Walking to my classes instead of driving because I live on South Campus and my classes are just a 10-minute walk away