The "ecological footprint" is a hot topic and yet many people are unaware of the impact of their own lifestyle on the earth. Some of our everyday habits are among the biggest factors accelerating climate change. But what exactly is the "ecological footprint"?
The "ecological footprint" is a hot topic and yet many people are unaware of the impact of their own lifestyle on the earth. Some of our everyday habits are among the biggest factors accelerating climate change. But what exactly is the "ecological footprint"?
Western industrialized nations, as well as emerging economies such as China and India, are among the biggest climate sinners. The unrestrained overexploitation of the planet's natural resources ensures that climate change and its consequences will soon be irreversible - if they are not already. But we don't have a Planet B. That's why we at NIKIN want to help in any way we can to raise awareness of what we can do to protect our environment. Each and every one of us.
But how can we live in a way that protects the earth's ecosystem? And is it possible to measure whether you are really living sustainably? Yes, you can. There is the so-called "ecological footprint"!
What is the "ecological footprint"?
In English, it is called the Ecological Footprint - meaning the biologically productive area required to maintain a person's standard of living. This includes not only the supply of food and water, but also the provision of energy, the carbon dioxide released directly or indirectly by this person and also the disposal of waste. This required area is compared with the area available worldwide or regionally in relation to the number of inhabitants. The concept of the ecological footprint is not new - it was developed back in 1994, and since 2003 there has been a proper Global Footprint Network. The protection of our planet is actively supported by renowned researchers and Nobel Prize winners!
How the "ecological footprint" is calculated
The ecological footprint can be calculated on the basis of a person's lifestyle. Basically, it is about how much usable land would be needed to maintain the lifestyle to which the person in question is accustomed. On the other hand, there is the actually available and also biologically usable area - i.e. the earth's surface, minus built-up regions, but also deserts, ice sheets or mountains.
If you want to take the trouble to calculate your own ecological footprint, you can do so: there is a real footprint calculator online. Simply answer the questions and be amazed. Because even the most environmentally conscious of us usually still has a lot of room for improvement...
How big are our footprints?
If you look at the average ecological footprint on the world's continents, you quickly realize that the real climate sinners are North Americans. Their footprint is greater than 8 - a truly drastic figure and still twice as much as in Europe, where we still live on a fairly large footprint. At least ecologically.
People in Africa, on the other hand, live almost exemplary lives, with an ecological footprint of 1.4. No wonder, as many Africans still live a traditional, sustainable lifestyle. Unfortunately, this way of life is under serious threat. Many people in Africa can no longer and no longer want to live in the traditional way. Drought, unrest and new consumption patterns are changing behavior here and will ensure that Africans will soon be "one size bigger".
How can you reduce your own ecological footprint?
Each of us can significantly reduce our ecological footprint in various ways. Many of them are not difficult at all and will soon become routine.
- Consume less energy! Switch off electrical appliances properly and do not leave them running unnecessarily.
- Always use energy-saving lamps. A huge amount of electricity can be saved here.
- Separate waste carefully - and produce less waste from the outset.
- Buying regional and fresh helps to save long transportation routes and therefore energy costs. It also helps local producers!
- Leave the car at home and walk or cycle more instead. And as for air travel... as painful as it is, they really pack a punch!
- Consume less, recycle more - only buy sustainable and fair clothing and appliances or buy second-hand and use your own things for a really long time instead of replacing them with the latest model every year.
These are just a few examples that quickly make it clear how many ways there are to live a life with a smaller footprint. After all, we are all still sinning far too much.
Who are the biggest climate sinners?
What hardly anyone realizes in view of the debate about exhaust fumes and CO2 emissions from cars: there are much bigger climate sinners (without wanting to take up the cudgels for all the SUVs on European roads). Global meat production in particular is a crime against the world's climate. Large herds of cattle need grazing land and feed. In order to provide this, forest land is cut down and soy is grown instead. Added to this are the digestive gases emitted by cattle, which significantly increase the world's CO2 emissions. It is therefore worth rethinking your own meat consumption, minimizing it and consuming it consciously and, if possible, only locally.
But the production of biofuel, for example from rapeseed or soy, also falls into this category, and for similar reasons.
Things have to change. And now!
The truth is - and you have to make this clear to yourself - that there is no way around a little sacrifice. We have all lived very well for a very long time - beyond our means. Now the bill is being presented. If we don't manage to change our habits, we won't be able to account for them to our children and grandchildren.
We at NIKIN are therefore not only making an effort privately, but also with our project, to ensure that the earth remains as beautiful and liveable as it still is. With every purchase from us, you donate to planting a tree through our partner OneTreePlanted. This won't change the world overnight - but it's a start. And you are part of it!
