Goodness, I’ve Got Large Feet!

This week’s reading for the sustainable choices discussion group were centered around the theme of basic ecological principles. Key concepts covered included our ecological footprint as individuals and nations, the measurement of the earth’s carrying capacity, how as humans we typically make decisions in a linear fashion, and how we can choose to look to natural systems for guidance on how we create artificial systems that ideally may then be more cyclical in their manner.

One of the exercises we were encouraged to do was to measure our individual ecological footprint. This can be done at www.myfootprint.org. I have assumed for a long time that I am a fairly environmentally conscientious person, but after having taken this brief survey I am no longer so sure. It is quite shocking just how much of the earth’s resources are required for me alone to live the life that I have thus far. In fact, according to the calculated results of the survey, in order for every person living on earth to live the same way I do (same amount of driving, same type of food consumption, same amount of waste, same amount of living space, etc.) would require there to be 4 more planets! I imagine that there are quite a few generalities made by this survey and so I am mildly skeptical on the results. However, even if it was only half right, it is still a mighty fine piece of humble pie!