Blogs
The Ecological Footprint Calculator and the Water Footprint Calculator were the two pre-conference activities that I participated in. Both of these activities provided myself with a wide range of knowledge that I am personally having on our planet and presented some strategies of how I could reduce that footprint.
The Ecological Footprint Calculator provided myself with a very useful insight into how I am affecting the Earth and how I can reduce that affect. Currently I am living in Australia where I have access to an abundant amount of clean water and electricity which accompanies a some what luxurious and easy-going life. This activity showed that currently I am not living a sustainable lifestyle and if everybody lived a lifestyle like myself, than it would need 3.4 planets to support our growing population. This simulation displayed how much not just myself, but a high majority of Australia's rely on high amounts of resources to aid our everyday lifestyle. This simulation helped me reflect on high I could improve my sustainability and minimise my impact on our planet.
The other pre-conference activity that I participated in was the Water Footprint Calculator which gave me a large amount of knowledge on my Water Footprint and how I could reduce it to better our planet. Currently, I use on average 1320 cubic metres of water annually which consists of meat, dairy and vegetables. The brief description that was given outlining my water footprint showed that compared to the rest of the world I was higher which indicated that currently I am consuming an unsustainable amount of water influenced products. Overall, this calculator gave me a significant amount of knowledge on how I am affecting the Earth and whether I am consuming a suitable amount of water influenced products.
These two simulations provided me with a great amount of knowledge on how many resources I am consuming and whether it is a sustainable or unsustainable amount. The Ecological Footprint Calculator and the Water Footprint Calculator both displayed to me that I am currently consuming an unsustainable amount of products and I am negatively affecting the planet. From these activities I have been displayed great insight into how not only I can reduce my impact, but how my family and friends can as well. By completing these activities, I now know how I should be living my life and how I should be affecting our planet.
