We hear the phrase “ecological footprint” or “environmental footprint” a lot these days. But how is it actually defined? And what does it mean for us individually as well as all members of a local and world community?

First, here are some dictionary definitions of “ecology”:

• A branch of science concerned with the interrelationship of organisms and their environments
• The totality or pattern of relations between organisms and their environment
• The study of the relationship between plants, animals, people and their environment, and the balance between these relationships

How Does It Work?

In other words, ecology helps support us, and we also have an impact on it. At its most basic, the world around us influences our health, longevity, and quality of life. We utilize things like food, shelter, and fuel from the environment and, in turn, activities we engage in affect the environment in both positive and negative ways.

There are two sides to the “footprint” equation.  One side supports a variety of our needs, from fish and livestock for food to timber for construction and land for areas to live. The flipside is the availability of resources.

An ecological footprint can be calculated for individuals, cities, regions, countries and the planet as a whole. The idea, of course, is to stay out of the “red” or avoid creating a deficit situation where we’re overtaxing the resources we require to live. However, “require” is somewhat subjective. Managing how we meet those needs and requirements may be key to creating a sustainable lifestyle.

What Can I Do to Reduce My Ecological Footprint?

It’s easy to be intimidated by seemingly enormous issues like these. However, everyone can play a part in maintaining the right balance. Here are some ideas to reduce your ecological footprint:

Watch how you drink. Get a re-usable coffee tumbler instead of using plastic cups at the café. Also, use a water container with a filter instead of buying bottled water. A filter can last the equivalent of 300 plastic bottles. In the production process, it reportedly takes three liters of water to end up with just one to drink.

Save some energy (or a lot). During the cool seasons, reduce thermostat temps to 68 degrees during the day when you’re home and lower at night. Also, there’s no reason to keep a house cool in the summer when no one is home. Wash clothes in cold water, since a large portion of the energy consumed is just to heat the water. Fully turn off appliances and electronics, since standby power can eat up 5-10% of residential power use. Buy Energy Star products.

Minimize the paper trail. We probably don’t realize how much paper we consume every day. It takes trees and energy to produce paper, then landfill space when we pitch it. Where it makes sense, switch from paper towels to washable rags or used newspaper. Pay your bills online and cancel all those catalogs you probably never look at.

BYOB, bring your own bags. Reusable bags can have a significant impact on the environment, since plastic bags can take up to 1,000 years to decompose. Even paper and compostable bags contribute to waste in our landfills. It’s easy to get the hang of keeping reusable bags handy or in the car.

Have fun responsibly. Patronize restaurants and stores that offer locally grown food. You’ll help save the energy required to transport their products, while supporting your local economy. When reasonable, walk to your destination instead of driving. Find entertainment and vacation options close to home.

And, of course, recycle!

How Does My Ecological Footprint Compare?

Now it’s time to see what kind of impact you, as an individual, are having. What ecological footprint activities can you improve? Which side of the “eco” equation are you on right now?

The Global Footprint Network offers a quick and easy calculator, providing a snapshot of your current footprint. Factors include questions about your profile in terms of food, housing and transportation.

It’s part of the organization’s Earth Overshoot day and generates two results. One is the month and day when, if everyone lived as you do, we would consume the planet’s resources needed for an entire year. The other is, under the same conditions, how many Earths would it take to sustain us all. You’ll also see some suggestions for reducing your footprint.

So, give it shot and we how you’re doing! Then, make changes and make a difference.

http://www.footprintcalculator.org