How Big Is Your Footprint?

Though much progress has been made recently in the “Green Movement,” such as the expansion and increasing popularity of hybrid, electric and Biofuel vehicles, increased usage of energy efficient light bulbs and reusable shopping bags, amplified recycling efforts, and even green weddings, it is estimated that humanity is currently using the equivalent of 1.3 planets to provide the resources we use and to absorb our waste. At this rate, it takes the Earth one year and four months to regenerate what is currently used in a year! Using this information, the UN has devised scenarios that anticipate that if we are to keep abusing our resources and contributing waste at our current rate, we will need the equivalent of two Earths to sustain us by 2050!

Luckily, there are steps which can be taken to aid in the reversal of this process and offshoot some of the damage already done. http://www.myfootprint.org/ currently offers a free quiz which estimates the size of your ecological footprint, and offers tips and suggestions on how you can reduce your consumption, whether it be through using cleaner transport, adding energy-saving features to your home such as insulating your water heater, defrosting your refrigerator and freezer regularly, eating more local, organic, in-season produce, or even taking shorter showers, the quiz will offer solutions on how to reduce your personal carbon footprint, and also grants tips and advice as to how to educate others in your community to do their part as well.

Take a moment to complete the quiz today. You’ll be amazed at the number of things you can do to reduce your effect on the Earth, and don’t forget about our Drive-Thru eWaste Collection Days to easily recycle of your unwanted electric appliances and devices!