Your Ecological Footprint

Earth Day is approaching. I am not a big fan of days because I believe that, for the most part, that day should be every day. Nonetheless, I think earth Day requires a closer look. Specifically we will focus on how our actions impact upon it. We can measure the impact that much of human activity has on the ecosystem, which we inhabit, by calculating what is known as, our ecological footprint.

A close and honest examination of our behaviour and activity can give us an estimate of the impact we have. We then can use this measurement to encourage ourselves to think deeply about what we are doing.

First lets take a look at food and where an what we buy. When you are buying your food your footprint begins with the trip to the store where you do your shopping. In fact, better still begin calculating your impact by considering your usual means of transportation when you go shopping. It makes a difference whether you drive, take a bus, walk or bike. If you can walk, at least to the store, do so. You will get some exercise and won't be releasing any fossil fuels into the atmosphere. Another advantage to walking is that you can become familiar with the community as you walk through it. A walking pace is slow enough that you can look around and see what is going on. You become connected to the area you walk through, in a way that is quite different from driving a car, riding a bus or even bicycling. It is a more intimate experience.

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, at least to the store. 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. This may be convenient but there is a serious downside.

Once you have examined all that you use just to get groceries, you then can determine what changes you are able to make. This is your first step towards creating a healthier, safer community and society. Each day you can do a little bit to reduce the demands you make on Mother Earth. Take the first step today.

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