What Is an Ecological Footprint and How Big Is Yours?

What is an Ecological Footprint and how BIG is yours?

Your carbon or “ecological footprint” is a measure of the impact your choices have on the environment or “nature.” What we do at home and work, our travel, what we eat, buy and throw away, and what we mine and transport all affect greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. Modifying our actions can reduce our footprint on a large and small scale and help stabilize the environment and climate for future generations. Ecological footprints measure humanity's demands on nature. Everything we do has consequences.

Ever wonder how much “nature” your lifestyle requires? You can find out.

The Ecological Footprint Quiz created by the Center for Sustainable Economy estimates the amount of land and ocean area required to sustain your consumption patterns and absorb your wastes on an annual basis.  Answer 27 easy questions, and you’ll be able to compare your “eco footprint” to others’ and learn how to reduce your impact on this planet we call Earth.  Try it out:http://myfootprint.org/en/.

There are many simple ways to reduce the footprint you leave on the planet (see below). Come to learn more at Arlington’s EcoFest 2013, Saturday, March 23, Arlington Town Hall, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This year’s theme “Eco Footprints: Arlington People, Places, Spaces” spotlights local surroundings, how you can benefiting from enjoying yourselves in these spaces and reduce your “ecological footprint” on Earth.

The event is free and open to the public. Details and updates can be found at:Arlingtonma.gov/ecofest.

Questions? Contact Patsy Kraemer at 781-858-8629 or pkraemer@town.arlington.ma.us

Use cleaner transport

• Walk, bike, or take public transit whenever possible.
• Avoid allowing your car to idle for more than 30 seconds.  Turn off the engine (except in traffic).
• Have your vehicle serviced regularly to keep the emission control systems operating at peak efficiency.  Check your car's air filter monthly; keep the tires adequately inflated to maximize gas mileage.
• Avoid short airplane trips-take a bus or train instead.

Add energy-saving features to your home

• You could add LED bulbs in all your home light fixtures, but remember, compact fluorescent bulbs contain mercury.  You can safely dispose of them through the Town’s mercury collection program partners: Wanamakers and Shattucks hardware stores.
• Weatherproof your home.  Make sure your walls and ceilings are insulated, and consider double-pane windows.  Eliminate drafts with caulking, weather strips, and storm windows and doors.
• Insulate your water heater.  Even better, switch to a tankless water heater, so your water will be heated only as you use it.
• Choose energy efficient appliances.

Adopt energy-saving habits

• Keep thermostats relatively low in winter and ease up on the air conditioning in summer.
• Unplug your electronics when not in use. To make it easier, use a power strip. Even when turned off, items like your television, computer, and cell phone charger still sip power.
• Dry your clothes outside whenever possible.
• Make minimal use of power equipment when landscaping.
• Defrost your refrigerator and freezer regularly.
• Choose green electricity.  Many utilities give you the option to purchase electricity generated by wind and solar power.

 Reduce your Food Footprint

• Eat more local, organic, in-season foods.
• Plant a garden.
• Shop at your local farmer's market or natural foods store.  Look for local, in-season foods that haven't traveled long distances to reach you.
• Choose foods with less packaging to reduce waste.
• Try going meatless for just one meal a week.  Globally, it has been estimated that 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions are associated with meat consumption.

Reduce your Housing Footprint Choose sustainable building materials, furnishings, and cleaning products.

• Explore green design features for your building, like passive solar heating, a rainwater catchment, and recycled materials.
• Choose efficient appliances, including low flow shower heads, faucets, and toilets.
• Choose furnishings that are second-hand, recycled, or sustainably produced.
• Plant drought tolerant plants in your garden and yard.
• Use biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning products.

 Adopt water-saving habits

• Take shorter, less frequent showers.
• Don't use the garbage disposal. Compost instead.
• Run the dishwasher and the washing machine only when full.
• Wash cars rarely, or better yet, take them to a carwash. Commercial carwashes use less water per wash than home washers.
• Avoid hosing down or power-washing your deck, walkways, or driveway.
• Regularly look for and fix leaks.

Reduce your Goods and Services Footprint

• Buy less! Replace items only when you really need to.
• Recycle all your paper, glass, aluminum, and plastic. Don't forget electronics!
• Compost food waste for the garden.
• Buy recycled products, particularly those labeled "post-consumer waste."

Source: http://goo.gl/EXjOu