The concept of ecological footprint-ing had been introduced to me during my grade 9 course at CGC1D1, where we received (if my memory is correct) worksheets on an assignment on Human... Whateverness...
Clearly I had not paid much attention during classes but alas, that is of another post (which I will not create). After all was said and done, I had a little flutter of delight from within me, as I saw a very similar ecological footprint quiz on the internet, after all: EVERYTHING is more interesting on the internet.
This was an interesting (ish) and eye opening (to an extent) moment in which I had found out what impact I had on the world [Figure One], cause heck: where would we be without it? In outer space, of course, but with all attempts at wit aside: may the questions be asked!
What kind of footprint do you leave on our planet?
Starting out with an easy question, I presume. I am sure it would become slightly more thought invoking sooner or later. In any case, a simple scan over the picture shown above would show that I leave a footprint which is better then the average Canadian footprint (perhaps because most of the driving questions involved... me actually having to drive), yet my footprint is three times larger then the average person on this planet. It is strange, because at last I checked my shoe size, I have pretty small feet for a person of my stature. Oh, right: my ECOLOGICAL footprint is three times larger then the average person. In any case, it is a lot more then this world would be able to sustain, but since this world is still sustained: there must be others who have a deprived state of living to balance things out.
How do you feel about this footprint of yours
This newfound information raises distraught feelings: of how wasteful I can be at times, and of how meager the conditions of many have developed over the time. It also creates many a ramification in my thought process about the world: at times I feel upset over the simplest of manners yet many have not the basic necessities of life. It brings up the Millennium Development Goals from the United Nations [Figure Two], something that I seem to bring up in every possible assignment it can be associated with! It is a fascinating ambition which may or may not happen, yet it still raises a sense of hopefulness and also a sense that there are those who want to help, and who are aware of the audacity of this problem. It all has a target date (lets hope that the United Nations higher ups are more work efficient with target date then the average student of the Mary Ward populace) of the year 2015, which is odd since it is 14 years off of the closest Millennium (There was no year 0, and thus 2000 =/= Millennium).
If you could change anything about the way you live to lessen your impact, what would it be?
My main concern is of the wasteful manner I conduct basic tasks: usually doing things above and beyond. I waste a lot of paper whenever I do work because of the condition I keep them in my bag: a torrent of mess, unit guides and a lack of binders. Many things become past the condition of usability, and thus are thrown away. I am also wasteful with food, usually putting too much on my plate and creating leftovers or throwing things out. Although there is a green bin, and a recycling program (which requires more energy to reuse then to create anew), it still is a wasteful habit that I would definitely strive to change.
Finally, do you think that this interactive website is helpful in bringing about change for our future?
A quote from the About Us section of the quiz:
"The network is headed by the organizers of the original Earth Day in 1970, Gaylord Nelson and Denis Hayes, and is based in Seattle, Washington, USA. The network is headed by the organizers of the original Earth Day in 1970, Gaylord Nelson and Denis Hayes, and is based in Seattle, Washington, USA. Our network includes more than 5,000 organizations in 184 countries."
This not-for-profit organization had originated under the wings of a network of over 5000 organizations, in 184 countries. Word indefinitely must have spread, and change had probably ensued. Although the impact may be questionable, the deed itself is something that shouldn't be belittled, but to be praised for its aspirations on raising awareness of this dire problem.
Why or why not?
An online quiz itself is not enough to truly touch up an issue. The website this quiz is placed upon, is. A plethora of information and actions to help those in need is also on the website. This is only a small portion of the above network, which truly would cumulate to create a big effort on a problem that has been swept under the rug for a long time. Gaylord Nelson (Refraining from making a cheap shot for a cheaper laugh on this respectable man's name) and Denis Hayes had truly started something important, and we have to follow through in the small choices we make in our lives, and help (even just slightly) the need for equality in an unjust world.
