Ecological Footprint
Discussion post
“What was your calculated ecological footprint?”
My ecological footprint was 8.9 (Network”, 2020).
“Were you surprised?”
Yes, I was very astonished by the results. I had an annual Carbon Footprint of 14.2 tonnes, which was 55% of the total Ecological Footprint.
“What were some of the recommendations given for lowering your footprint?”
Some of the recommendations to lower the footprint include unplugging my devices, driving less, stopping purchasing “fast fashion,” and avoiding eating or taking minimal meat portions. The first recommendation was offered to help retain the sucked energy when devices are plugged in sockets. Driving less was recommended to help lower the annual carbon emission. The alternatives that were offered for mobility include biking, walking, or boarding a bus. Avoiding the purchase of “fast fashion” was recommended as a mechanism of reducing the textile wastes emitted to the environment. The last recommendation served as a way of combating negative climate changes that arise from meat consumption. Studies show that meat consumption, mostly red meat, consumes relatively more water and produces relatively high emissions compared to poultry consumption (Network”, 2020).
“Did you footprint results affect your mental model of human impacts on the environment?”
Yes, these results impacted my mental model on the human environmental impacts both individually and socially on human-environment interactions. At the individual level, it influenced the way my view on the manner which we opt to shelter, attain the requirements for essential resources, such as water, food, and energy, and shelter may render not only undesirable impacts to the environment but also their long-term impacts to the environment. Socially, it affected my thinking on how our collective choices may cause enormous impacts that result in environmental degradation.
Discussion replies
Part 2
I tend to agree with Kenneth’s response that he was surprised by his Carbon emission, which was way too high. Excess carbon emission could be shocking, considering the harms you have posed to the environment.
Also, I tend to agree with the recommendation he was offered. Firstly, driving less is always regarded as one of the mechanisms of lowering CO2 emission. Walking, taking transit, and biking as cited in Kenneth’s recommendations are better ways of lessening driving hence and a way of reducing transportation footprint.
Despite all the concurrences, Kenneth’s response to how the results impacted his mental model of the human effect is unsatisfactory because he does not provide an in-depth response.
Part 3
I tend to agree with Teresa that she was surprised following a high Carbon emission results of 3.1. This is brought about by the recognition of how you have silently poisoned the environment.
I also concur with the recommendations she was offered because purchasing local food and lessening meat intake are a few of the best mechanisms of reducing ecological footprints.
Lastly, Teresa’s response to how the result impacted her mental model of the human effect is satisfactory. To some, it is quite disturbing to understand how dangerous our daily conduct directly poisons the environment without our knowledge.
Resources
Network”,. ” F. (2020, August 27). What is your ecological footprint? Global Footprint Network: http://www.footprintcalculator.org/