Your Ecological Footprint

As we move into late January, thoughts here in the North turn, not to Spring, that is still too far away, but to the end of cold. The first weeks when the temperature no longer goes below minue 10 Celsius and warm weather seems like a distinct possibility. But enough of this wishful thinking. I've written in the past about the importance about the ecosystem we inhabit and how our actions impact upon it. This week I'd like us to consider this in another, more measurable way,by considering what is known as, our ecological footprint.

You can get a rough estimate about the size of footprint that you leave and use this to give some deep thought to what you are doing. Lets take a look at food and shopping , in particular. If you are buying your food your footprint begins with the trip to the store where you do your shopping, actually you can begin with your choice of transportation. In makes a difference whether you drive, take a bus, walk or bike. Now you may need a car to carry the groceries, especially if you have to feed a large family or need to take young children with you while you shop. However, give some thought to public transit, if this is possible. It does matter.

Packaging is very prevalent in grocery stores, not only are there plastic bags to wrap fresh fruit and vegetables in but plastic bags to carry it all home. cartons, boxes, bottles and tins are everywhere. make an effort to use as little packaging as possible. Now, many people stop for a burger or pizza, on shopping days so that rather than cooking dinner they can have something fast for supper. this may be convenient but there is a serious downside. we'll look more at that when we look at food waste, next week.

Here are three sites that will assist you to reduce your footprint and give you some good reasons why people need to think about what they do.

Carrying Capacity

Composting

Food Security

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