“Your Carbon Footprint’’

Ecological Measurements What is an ecological footprint? The amount of land & ocean area required to sustain your consumption patterns & absorb your wastes on an annual basis. (myfootprint.org)

Ecological Measurements What are ways humans affect the environment? How and why do humans use natural resources? What are the problems associated with their use?

Ecological Measurements “What IS An Ecological Footprint.” A footprint actually displaces sand or dirt. The larger the footprint, the more dirt or sand is displaced. With the Ecological Footprint concept, the more we consume and throw out, the more natural resources we use – and our symbolic Ecological Footprint grows. Image by flckr.com

Ecological Measurements What is a Sustainable Lifestyle? A sustainable lifestyle is one that does not use more natural resources at a faster rate than the Earth makes available. We use natural resources when we consume, pollute, or discard garbage. Image by T. Mamula

Ecological Measurements Four Consumption Categories 1. Carbon Footprint 2. Food Footprint 3. Housing Footprint 4. Goods & Services Footprint

Ecological Measurements Carbon Footprint The area needed to absorb carbon emissions generated by your home energy use & transportation.

Ecological Measurements Food Footprint The area needed to grow crops, fish, and graze animals and absorb carbon emissions from food processing and transport. Image by, playgreen.typepad.com

Ecological Measurements Housing Footprint The area occupied by your home and the area needed to supply resources used in construction and household maintenance. Image by, T. Mamula

Ecological Measurements Goods & Services Footprint The area needed to supply consumer items you purchase and absorb carbon emissions from their manufacturing, transport, and disposal. Image by,

Ecological Measurements To measure your Ecological Footprint go to: Take the quiz Record your results in the lab booklet Adjust your choices to reduce your footprint Retake the quiz & compare your results to the first set of results

Ecological Footprint If the Ecological Footprint indicates that more natural resources are used than the Earth supplies, then this is not a sustainable lifestyle. It is very important for all of us on the Earth to live a sustainable lifestyle in order to leave the planet in good shape for future generations to enjoy and prosper! Image by,

Resources Ecological footprint. Retrieved on February 11, /ecological%20footprint_files/image007.jpg /ecological%20footprint_files/image007.jpg Footprint in sand. Retrieved on February 11, Solar panels. Retrieved on February 11, Yosemite. Taken September 05, T. Mamula

Resources Food footprint. Retrieved on February 11, /05/20/0518martinspan.jpg House. Taken May, 16, T. Mamula Carbon footprint. Retrieved on February 11, Goods Footprint. Retrieved on February 11, Yosemite. Taken September 05, T. Mamula