An ecological footprint measures human consumption of the Earth's natural resources, such as water and land. It also provides a figure on the consequences of our utilization of those ecosystem resources. Currently, it takes the Earth seventeen months to restore the resources individuals and businesses use on a yearly basis, according to the Global Footprint Network.
History
William Rees and Mathis Wackernagel, both affiliated with the University of British Columbia in Canada, first developed the ecological footprint concept and calculation method in 1990. In 1996, Rees and Wackernagel published a book titled "Our Ecological Footprint: Reducing Human Impact on the Earth." Since that time, many alternative calculations have been developed to help individuals and businesses determine human impact on the ecology.
Significance
Understanding the impact you have on the Earth and its resources provides an idea of your effect on the planet overall. The ecological footprint calculator uses information about a person's choices for food, housing, transportation, purchasing habits and recycling efforts. It also factors in whether you live in a city or rural area.
Food
Part of the ecological footprint calculation determines an individual's impact on the land needed for crops and grazing as well as water for fishing. Plant-based diets have less impact than a diet that includes consumption of meat, seafood and dairy at every meal. Choosing organic and other sustainably-produced foods from local farmers markets decreases your ecological footprint. Likewise, growing your own produce is better for the Earth.
Lifestyle
Even the type of home you live in and the furnishings you own influence your effect on the Earth. Purchasing second-hand or sustainably produced items, such as bamboo flooring over oak flooring, significantly reduces your ecological imprint. Additional strategies to diminish your impact includes selecting biodegradable products and incorporating water and energy-saving practices, such as turning off lights when leaving a room or unplugging electronics when you are not using them.
Recycling
City and rural recycling programs allow individuals and businesses to recycle paper, aluminum, glass, plastic and electronics. Composting, a form of recycling, is a better alternative for food waste because it reduces landfill development, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Also, placing more recycling and less trash at your curb is another way to reduce your ecological footprint.
Considerations
By taking an active stance in protecting the environment, you can reduce your ecological footprint and inspire others to do the same. Every modest act helps, according to the city of Calgary, Canada's program to reduce the ecological footprint. Because the Earth's resources are limited, overuse will eventually influence your quality of life.
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