by Elizabeth Blankenship

Created on: March 01, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2010

What is your ecological footprint? Calculating your ecological footprint sounds like it would be difficult to do. Don't worry, Websites like Ecofoot made it easy for you. See how your eco-footprint compares to other people's footprints all around the world. Knowing your eco-footprint is the first step to making lifestyle changes that will benefit the environment.

How to Calculate Your Ecological Footprint:

1.) Visit a Web site with an easy-to-use carbon footprint calculator like:

~ www.ecofoot.org

~ www.safeclimate.net/calculator

~ www.earthday.net

You will be asked a series of questions that measure the impact of various activities you do. Everything you do, big or small, has an effect on the environment through the release of greenhouse gases.

2.) Answer Honestly

The only way to truly measure the impact your lifestyle has on the environment is to be truthful. If everyone in the world lived as most average Americans live, we would need over 5 planets to support us all. Our planet currently has 4.5 biologically productive acres per person.

The average American carbon footprint is 24 acres per person. Calculate your carbon footprint. See how many acres you would need to support your lifestyle.

3.) Time to Reflect

You have your answer. No matter how low or high your carbon footprint is, there is always room for improvement. Stop and think about the life you live. What difference does it make? A big one.

A carbon footprint specifically measures all the greenhouse gases each individual person creates and how our carbon footprints together specifically lead to climate changes. Carbon footprints are made of two parts:

~ PRIMARY carbon footprints evaluate burned fossil fuels and energy consumption, which create CO2 (carbon dioxide).

~ SECONDARY carbon footprints measure the indirect CO2 levels of products. Evaluating the amount of energy it takes to manufacture and breakdown consumed products. The more you buy, the more impact you are making.

4.) Reducing Your Impact

Commit to reducing your impact. Even small changes in your daily lifestyle will make a big difference to our environment. Here are some ways to lower your carbon footprint:

Small-scale carbon-reducing changes:

~ Buy less

~ Look for products with little packaging or buy household items in bulk

~ Start recycling (paper, plastic, glass, newspaper, etc.)

~ Energy efficient bulbs (use 20% less energy and last 15 times longer)

~ Filter water, use a reusable water bottle

~ Shorten your shower, use water-saving shower head

~ Shut off lights and appliances

~ Wash clothing only in cold water to save energy

~ carpool

~ Combine trips (save gas and wear on your car)

~ Rainwater harvesting, store in a rainwater tank and use for watering your lawn or plants.

~ Walk or ride your bike

~ Donate to charity, tax write-off and items get a second life

~ Compost

Large-scale carbon-reducing changes:

~ Switch to green energy (solar water heating and small wind turbines); it's renewable and cleaner

~ Purchase Energy Star rated appliances

~ Loft insulate your home, heat could be lost through your roof

~ Cavity wall insulate your house, a poorly insulated house wastes electricity and your money.

~ Purchase a Hybrid vehicle

~ Purchase a green home

SOURCE: http://www.carbonfootprint.com/index.html

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth Blankenship.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.