What is an Ecological Footprint?

What is your impact on the environment? An ecological footprint helps you understand this. It measures humanity's impact on natural resources, according to the Global Footprint Network. For example, how much water and land are needed to produce resources you use every day, like electricity and gasoline? The answers to these questions illustrate an ecological footprint. A footprint can be determined for individuals, cities and even different countries. For example, if every country used the same amount of natural resources that Americans do, we would need five planets to support our lifestyle.

Importance

It is important to measure an ecological footprint so we can have an idea of the impact we have on our planet. It also helps us determine whether we can sustain the level of resources we currently use. Monitoring our footprints allows us to ensure the use of resources is sustainable into the future and helps to prevent us from using them up.

Calculation

To determine your ecological footprint, you must consider your lifestyle regarding consumption of things like energy, timber and paper, food and fiber, housing and even seafood. The waste produced by your lifestyle is also part of the calculation. Everything you do or use impacts the environment and can be measured.

History

Professor William Rees and graduate student Mathis Wackernagel first developed the idea of an ecological footprint in the early 1990s at the University of British Columbia. It was the topic of Wackernagel's graduate dissertation. The duo were searching for a measurable way to understand humanity's impact on the earth. By understanding the impact, they hoped to encourage sustainability and assure that we don't someday run out of key resources.

Footprint Comparisons

Comparing different countries' ecological footprints provides an understanding of how the world's natural resources are being used. The top resource consumers include the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Kuwait, according to NationMaster.com. Countries with the smallest footprints are those with little or no development, and include Bangladesh, Namibia and Sierra Leone. Countries whose ecological footprint is increasing quickly include China and India.

Ways to Reduce Your Footprint

There are many ways, big and small, to reduce your impact on the environment. Consider switching to energy efficient light bulbs, because they use considerably less electricity. Ride your bike instead of driving to the store -- even a small car emits .6 pounds of carbon for every mile you drive. Eat a vegetarian meal at least once a week. Chickens, pigs and cows use up more resources than plants and produce large amounts of carbon-based waste. Many communities now offer curbside recycling, making it easy to reduce waste this way. You may also wish to purchase items that are made from recycled materials to ensure there is a market for recycling.

Resources

• Calculate Your Ecological Footprint