I liked this quiz because it created four categories of consumption within the measurement of my environmental impact. These categories include: Carbon Footprint, Food Footprint, Housing Footprint, and Goods & Service Footprint. My impact was compared to the country average in each category. I exceeded the country average in my Food Footprint and my Housing Footprint.
To reduce my footprint, the website recommended several strategies in each category of consumption. There were several tips that I had never thought of before, including:
- Avoid allowing your car to idle. If you’ll be waiting for more than 30 seconds, turn off the engine (except in traffic). And don’t take the drive-through—park the car and walk inside instead.
- Defrost your refrigerator and freezer regularly.
- Purchase carbon offsets to make up for the energy use you can’t eliminate.
- Eat lower on the food chain—going meatless for just one meal a week can make a difference. Globally, it has been estimated that 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions are associated with meat consumption.
I feel that there are many financial barriers for college students wishing to become more environmentally friendly. I strive to do little things every day with the intention that they will accumulate and make a dent in the world’s effort to conserve our environment. I feel that once I have more control over my living situation (i.e. permanent home and stable income), I will be able to make an even bigger impact on our environment!