Results:

Global Footprint Network

First attempt – 3 Earths / May 1st

Second attempt – 1.9 Earths / July 8th

 

The Nature Conservancy

First attempt – 52 Tons / 33% better

Second attempt – 42 Tons / 46% better

 

Response:

The online test from the Global Footprint Network and the Nature Conservancy offer the ability to see how sustainable your lifestyle is if everyone lived like you, as well as see how large your carbon footprint is. For the Global Footprint Network, my initial results stated that if everyone lived the lifestyle that I lived, we would need the resources of three earths. Our single planet would run out of resources by May 1st if we began living like me in the beginning of the year. After retaking the test and seeing what I can cut out without impacting my life too drastically, my results read that I would consume 1.9 Earths and finish my resources by July 8th. For the test by the Nature Conservancy, I produce 52 tons of CO2 per year, and am more efficient than 33% of the population. After cutting back on my emissions and retaking the test, my score stated I use 42 tons of CO2 and am more efficient than 46% of the populations. One of the major things I would be able to cut out of my life would be my car. I drive a total of 60 miles a week to school, and I could easily take the bus instead. Though my car does not produce a lot of waste and is very economy oriented, cutting it out is what would reduce my carbon footprint tremendously. In addition, I could also cut back on the amount of processed foods and snacks I consume, and consider healthier and more natural alternatives. This would not only be better for my health but the environment as well. Electricity use may be a portion of my life that would be difficult to cut back on. Though I already try not to waste electricity by turning off lights and electronics when not in use, cutting my electricity use even further would change my lifestyle too much for comfort. Overall however, even if people just made a conscience effort not to mindlessly waste resources and made small adjustments to their lives, these small changes would add up dramatically to make a huge influence on the environment and our natural resources. Even if this means taking public transportation a few times a week, or reusing and repurposing something around the house.