What is an ecofootprint and why is it needed?

 

 Since 1992, the concept of ecological footprint has been used to assess the impact on the planet. Ecofootprint conventionally shows the size of the territory required for the production of human resources and the absorption of waste.

 The more people there are on the planet, the smaller the ecological footprint of each must be in order for nature to cope with this impact, restoring the damage. For the last 40 years, we have been living in debt to future generations. Now people spend as many resources as if they lived on 1.6 Earths.

 Eco Debt Day is an annual rolling date. It occurs when people use up as many renewable resources as the planet can regenerate in a year. Our requests are constantly growing. If in 1970 Ecological Debt Day came two days before the end of the year, then in 2019 - 155 days before. In 2020, the pandemic brought down the consumption of natural resources, and the ecological footprint decreased. The date fell on August 22, three weeks later than a year earlier. How to calculate your ecofootprint?

 

 Two main parameters are used to calculate the ecological footprint. The first is the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) generated in the production of goods and services as a result of burning fossil fuels. The second is the amount of green space needed to absorb carbon dioxide. The latter are becoming less and less due to the laying of roads, the construction of buildings, the creation of arable land and pastures.

 You can calculate your ecofootprint using a calculator. To do this, you need to answer questions like: “How often do you eat animal products?”, “How do you use a car?” etc.

 Even if you lead an eco-friendly lifestyle, you can always reduce your ecofootprint further, for example, by promoting smart consumption in society.

 But start with yourself! You can definitely change your own habits.

 How to reduce your ecofootprint?

 

 To reduce your ecological footprint, you need to reduce resource consumption, reconsider your attitude to shopping, energy and water consumption, supplement the menu with local products, change from car to public transport, sort and recycle waste. Don't buy too much

 

 The multi-billion population of the planet is growing, it is buying more and more food and goods, the production of which pollutes the atmosphere and the oceans. Greenhouse gas emissions, in turn, lead to climate change. To reduce the burden on the planet, you need to reduce production volumes.

 This can be done by buying fewer things, especially short-lived equipment, extra clothes, souvenirs, cosmetics and household chemicals, exotic products brought from afar. Discounts, sales, fashion trends are designed to make us buy more. It is important to evaluate how necessary a thing is. Look for pleasures to replace shopping. Save resources

 

 Up to 45% of electricity in Russia is wasted. By saving water, fuel and electricity, we reduce our ecological footprint. You can start with the introduction of simple habits: turn off the water while brushing your teeth and do not leave the computer in sleep mode for a long time, but turn it off. Walking to the subway instead of taking the bus will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Reduce the use of disposable

 

 By using reusable items, we not only reduce waste and plastic pollution, but also the need for disposables. Disposable can be replaced where there is an alternative. For example, instead of cling film for food storage, it is convenient to use reusable wax napkins. Use your personal reusable water bottle instead of plastic cups. Choose durable clothes and high-quality equipment. Let things last a long time.

 Sort your waste

 

 At the stage of purchase, it is important to think about the disposal of things. Choose biodegradable household chemicals and natural cosmetics instead of regular ones, batteries, not batteries. Take used batteries, paints, mercury lamps and broken appliances to recycling centers. Recycling reduces the ecological footprint, because the production of goods from recycled materials reduces the extraction of natural resources. Pay attention to product labeling. Refuse to buy things that are difficult or impossible to recycle, such as plastic products labeled PVC(3), O(7). Sort waste and recycle plastic, metal, glass and paper.