Trial One:

30 tons of CO2- 63% better than average

Earth Overshoot Day: May 13 & 2.7 Earths

Trial Two:

17 tons of CO2- 79% better than average

Earth Overshoot Day: August 8 & 1.7 Earths

I knew that I was not the most ecologically minded person, but the two calculators really surprised me. I didn’t think I had that much of an effect on the environment. I recycle, carpool, turn off the lights when I leave a room, etc. I’m not an eco-freak, but I’m not destroying the environment with no regard for the future. The area that really struck me was where I produced so much carbon and waste. Food was my major source of consumption; it overshadowed nearly every other category. That fact surprised me. I admit I like to eat and enjoy food, but I did not think it had that great of an impact.

So on the second time around, food was an area that I focused on cutting down. I reduced my meat intake, and increased fruits and vegetables, as well as cutting down on snacks. I also cut down on travel by car and increased the use of public transportation. Finally, I cut down my spending habits to only what I need, not what I want. This lifestyle reflected in the second trial would be a significant adjustment from my current one, but I do think it would be possible to live that way.