Reduce your Ecological Footprint with these easy solutions!

Have you ever wondered how you can reduce your ecological footprint and live more sustainably every day? Your ecological footprint is the impact of a person or community on the environment, expressed as the amount of land required to sustain their use of natural resources. Basically, it is the amount of environment necessary to produce goods and services necessary to support. The Global Footprint Network reports that it takes 18 months for the planet to regenerate everything that we use in a 12 month period.

Here are some ways that you can help reduce your individual ecological footprint and help your community’s footprint:

Using Cleaner Transport

· If an alternative is available, don’t drive! Walk, bike, or take public transport whenever possible. You can reduce your ecological footprint by as much as 20%. You can help reduce traffic congestion and promote clean air within your community.

· Buy a smaller-engine car for more efficient travel

· Avoid short airplane trips and take a bus or train instead. Flights have two to four times the impact of CO2 emissions on climate change because it releases water vapor and nitrous oxide at a high altitude.

Adding Energy-Efficient Features to your home

· Install energy-saving lamps in your home and dispose old bulbs safely.

· Make sure ceilings and walls are insulated and consider double paned windows

· Consider other design features for your building, such as: passive solar heating, rainwater catchment or greywater recycling system, and using recycled materials

· Choosing energy efficient and low flow appliances

· Choosing second-hand, recycled, or sustainably produced furnishings

· Using biodegradable nontoxic cleaning products

Develop Energy-Saving Habits

· Keep thermostat relatively low in winter and reduce air conditioning use in the summer

· Unplug electronics when you are not using them and use a power strip. Even when certain electronics are off, such as your television and cell phone charger, they still use power!

· Dry your clothes naturally when possible

· Defrost your fridge and freezer regularly

Reduce your Food and Goods Footprint

· Shop at your local farmer’s market! Buy local, in-season foods that haven’t traveled long distances to your location.

· Buy organic produce or through other low-input farming that use minimal or no pesticides and fertilizers. They consume up to 40% less energy and support higher wildlife in farms.

· Choose foods with less packaging

· Plant your own garden and practice composting

· Go meatless, even for just a week, or just reduce your mead intake! The livestock industry contributes more greenhouse gas emissions globally than the transport section.

· Buy less! If possible, try to get things repaired. Replace things only when needed and try to buy quality products that will last a long time.

· Recycle all paper, glass, aluminum, plastic, and electronics. Most communities have a recycling center that caters to all types of materials!

Easy ways to save water

· Take shorter, less frequent showers

· Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when they are completely full

· Wash your car less often

· Avoid hosing down or power-washing your driveway, porch, etc.

· Plant drought-tolerant plants, such as sunflowers, blanket flowers, or dwarf palmetto, in your garden or yard.

I hope these tips can inspire new sustainable habits in your daily life and help reduce the global ecological footprint!

Sources:

https://en.reset.org/act/reduce-your-ecological-footprint-0

https://wwf.panda.org/knowledge_hub/teacher_resources/webfieldtrips/ecological_balance/eco_footprint/