I took the Earth Day Ecological Footprint Quiz. I was not pleased with my results. I leave an enormous ecological footprint. I am quite shocked because I do some enviornmentally conscience things such as recycling.I was extremely shocked at the results of my footprint quiz. The results showed if everyone had my lifestyle it would take 4 planet earths to support my energy supply. I find that very shocking because I live a small apartment that I believe does not require a lot of energy to heat or power. I know what actions probably have the largest impact on planet Earth; I hardly use public transportation and because I my hectic schedule I find that I never car pool with anyone because I am always running from point A to point B.
The results also showed it takes 18 acres of land to support my lifestyle. Also, my lifestyle produces almost 19 tons of carbon dioxide! Most of the acres, once again, are used for energy. Another habit of mine that leaves a large footprint is not eating mostly local grown foods. unfortunately most of the foods I eat are not locally grown or fresh. If I could replace the frozen pizzas and chicken nuggets with fresh fruits, vegetable, locally grown foods I could cut down my footprint because gas would not be used to ship my foods across the country. Not to mention my nutrition would be improved!
I believe the two things such as trying harder to use public transportation, riding my bike, or car pooling to places such the grocery store with roommates and also making an effort to eat local foods will make a difference in reducing my ecological footprint.
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI know exactly how you feel. My results showed pretty much the same thing that yours did. And I also came to the same conclusion that it would be better if I could try to use public transportation and buy more locally produced food. I definitely think doing this was a huge eye opener for me and I am sure for a lot of other people as well.
Kristy
I took the quiz and was shocked that it would take around 5 planets to support myself. I know that I should try and carpool more, though it is difficult when I live alittle further away from school and have a different school schedule. Biking would be out of the picture for a lot of the year, due to cold weather in Duluth!! I use the bus every morning for school, so atleast I am using the resources available to students. I feel like I might have to start thinking more about how much I use/waste.
ReplyDeleteI think everybody was displeased with their results, don't feel toooo bad. This is just literally an eye-opener for us and we can grow on this information and start new habits.
ReplyDeleteI think we all feel we failed this quiz. Just brings to our attention that all the small things we think are ok to do will wind up a big mess & hurt us in the long run. Now we know what we truly need to do...but can or will we actually do them is the next question?
ReplyDeleteI was surprised with my results too. It is easier said than done because our environment is harder to control. For example our foods are purchased after they have been processed and most of our veggies are not organic. Plus, they have such good deals at times making it more convenient for us to just buy it right then. Businesses are smart at marketing because we have forgotten about our local resources. It's ok; it's not too late. We still have time to make the good change for our earth. Mary
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