The Global Footprint Network defines an ecological footprint as the measurement of the biological capacity of the planet that is required by routine human activity. Some of this includes what we throw away, how much gas we use and how many children we have. Though, people worldwide have taken the initiative to live a greener lifestyle and reduce and reuse as much as possible, their footprints still leave a mark on the planet.
Overshoot
A big part of controlling our ecological footprint involves reducing the overshoot that affects Earth. According to the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, an overshoot occurs when the population's demand on an ecosystem exceeds the ability of the ecosystem to regenerate resources or absorb its waste. When the biological capacity of the planet is exceeded, plants, animals and trees can be affected by being crowded out or damaged by waste or destruction. Learning to recycle more products such as paper items, cardboard and plastics will reduce the amount of trees being cut down and the amount of drilling needed for fuel sources.
Supply and Demand
Reduce your ecological footprint by cutting down on your consumption of fossil fuels; this prevents the suffering of biodiversity according to the WWF website. Shop for bulk food and household items to reduce the amount of fuel it takes to get the produce to you. Avoid using plastic bags at the grocery store or when shopping, because this only increases the amount of fuel it takes to continue bag production. Reduce your footprint by carpooling, walking or riding your bike to work. This will minimize fuel usage and also the amount of tires recycled throughout the life of your vehicle.
Sustainability
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, sustainability means meeting present needs of the population without compromising the needs of future citizens. A big part of reducing your ecological footprint is maintaining sustainability without leaving behind a great deal of waste and byproduct that will clog up landfills and affect the ecosystem. Establishing a routine recycling habit within your household will also contribute to a minimal carbon footprint.
Target Locations
The Redefining Progress website explains that there are certain locations on the planet that are directly affected by pollution and man-made destruction. Oxides from fossil fuel combustion, coal combustion, and gasoline and nuclear waste all contribute to aquatic ecosystem destruction, soil contamination, toxic spills and ozone layer destruction. Overuse eventually destroys crop land, building areas, rain forests, fisheries, drinking water and forest land. Reducing the use of consumable products as much as possible will help eliminate demand and decrease the risk of further destruction.
Effects
Reducing, reusing and recycling everything within your day-to-day structure is one way to improve your ecological footprint on Earth. You can expand your efforts by implementing a green lifestyle when you go to school or when you are at work. Institutions and businesses have to work together in order to make a global difference. Simple steps will help reduce the bio-capacity of many populous areas and allow the ecosystem to recover.
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