Have you ever tried to measure your own footprint?  Do you have any idea why you would want to?   I measured mine the other day and it equalled 3.9 planets.
 
That was my eco-footprint.  By measuring my eco-footprint, I can decipher whether I am living within the world's available carrying capacity, or if I need to make some changes in my lifestyle choices to become more eco-friendly.   I have a long way to go.
 
The eco-footprint is a comprehensive way of measuring demands place on nature according to what we consume.  The footprint method uses data from individuals, organizations, cities, regions, nations and the whole of humanity.  By doing this, it can be determined how much biologically productive land and water we occupy to enable us to produce all the resources and absorb the waste that we presently consume and make.   In addition, the eco-footprint is a tool that can aid in our understanding about what our demands on nature are versus the earth's ability to provide necessary goods and services.
 
The results are shocking!  Data provided by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities says that we Canadians have an average footprint of 7.25 hectares per person.  The world can presently support an average of 1.9 ha/person worldwide.  This puts Canadians as the third largest 'eco-footprint makers.'   The average global citizen has a footprint of 2.8 ha/person and Canadians come in at almost four times that. Yikes!
 
Check out your own footprint at www.footprintnetwork.org. Click on 'your footprint' under 'ecological footprint' on the bottom of the home page.   It only takes 2 minutes.  I did it and my results were frightening.  I personally consumed 1.5 hectares to produce my food, 1.3 to provide my ability to have mobility, 1.8 to provide the ability for shelter and 2.4 to provide my goods and services.  Those numbers put me at a total of 7 hectares of required land to sustain me…just me.   That equalled 3.9 planes needed if everyone was to live like me.  I need to make some changes, apparently.
 
Some changes that the Federation of Canadian Municipalities provided are as follows: carpool, walk or bike, live in smaller homes or shared residences, eat locally, use less power and energy, live closer to work, eat less animal and packaged products, buy locally, reduce fuel consumption and even consume less.   Reuse, reduce and recycle.  The Federation of Canadian Municipalities encourages individuals to 'think globally, act locally.'   I think that is a great way to start.
 
I encourage you to check out the Footprint Network website and see what it is all about.  Take your quiz and see where you are at.   It can't hurt to be informed…and know your foot size.
 
You too can have your household questions answered—or, if you have some great healthy household hints that you'd like to share, e-mail me at service@immaculateinteriors.ca, I would love to hear from you.

Link: Measure eco-footprint