Reducing My Ecological Footprint Analysis

Reducing My Ecological Footprint

Analysis of my Ecological Footprint Quiz Results

According to the results of my ecological footprint results, my overall ecological footprint measures 217.9, which is approximately 88% of the national average of 246.5. More specifically, my carbon footprint is approximately 57% of the national average, and my food, housing, and goods-and-services consumption are approximately 14% higher, 15% lower, and 6% higher than the national average, respectively.

The fact that I do not rely on private automobile transportation or make extensive use of gasoline-powered public transportation is probably the principal reason that my carbon footprint is so much lower than the national average. In principle, "carbon footprint" is the measure of the amount of carbon dioxide emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels (Crittenden & White, 2010). My housing footprint is lower than the national average because people who live with other family members or roommates consume fewer resources and produce less garbage and other inorganic environmental waste material per person than people who live alone (Crittenden & White, 2010).

Unfortunately the fact that I rely substantially on pre-packaged food and fast food probably accounts for the fact that my food footprint is somewhat higher than the national average. Likewise, because I am often pressed for time, I do rely on convenience items such as bottled water and other goods and services that add to the national ecological footprint more than necessary. The byproducts of producing, transporting, and managing the waste disposal of the bottles and other packaging used in that regard on a large scale contribute tremendously to the societal ecological footprint (Matthews, Hendrickson, & Weber, 2008).

Considering Possible Changes to Reduce my Carbon Footprint

Naturally, the main focus of my future efforts to reduce my ecological footprint would be on reducing my food footprint and that portion of my footprint attributable to unnecessary consumption of goods and services. To address my food footprint, I could start by simply making the commitment to getting to bed earlier so that I am less pressed for time throughout my day. That would enable me to brew my own coffee instead of purchasing coffee in a paper and plastic cup everyday, and it would allow me the necessary time to prepare home-made meals and to filter my own tap water instead of purchasing prepared packaged foods and bottled water, both of which add to my food footprint and my consumption of goods and services beyond what is necessary. Since most of friends have similar lifestyles, I would encourage them to make the same types of changes for the benefit of the local, national, and global ecology.

Environmental Implications of my Carbon Footprint

On one hand, I recognize the fact that I could improve my personal ecological impact by implementing the described changes. On the other hand, I am pleased to find out that my carbon footprint is so much lower than the national average because carbon emissions are associated with some of the most direct, damaging, and far-reaching consequences of ecological factors (Crittenden & White, 2010). Realistically, substantial reduction in the long-term national and global ecological footprint cannot be achieved by reliance on individual initiative.