Ecological footprint 2!

Were you able to achieve the ecological footprint reduction goals you set for yourself?
I was able to cut down my mobility score by carpooling more. This is important because I work in Seattle and have carpooled with a coworker whenever possible. I also carpool to the grocery store with friends once a week. It has become a fun ritual. When I am not in a rush, I take the bus whenever possible. It has been a bit of a challenge learning the routes and how to navigate and plan my trips but the more I do it the less of a hassle it has become.


I am also happy that I am buying less stuff. Looking at purchases from an environmental perspective has helped me to think about the consequences of my purchasing habits. It has also had a positive effect on my bank account! One of the biggest take-aways from this class is the ability to think about just how much I consume and all the waste that goes into making the products I buy. I really have gotten good at deciding the things I need versus the things I want.


I had hoped to do better on my food score so this is something I need to keep working on. I will say that I waste less food and do not throw as much stuff away because my friend and I share food with each other before it goes bad. This has also reduced the amount we both purchase. I have been using reusable grocery bags most of the time when I go to the store and while it is not accounted for in the footprint I feel that using less plastic bags does help, especially if everyone does it.

Analyze your behavior over the quarter – will you be able to continue these practices? Why or why not? 
Yes, I will be able to continue all of these at least while still living in Bellingham. When I graduate I will not be close enough to shop together with friends but hopefully I will be able to find new friends to shop with. Wherever I work I will try to find someone to carpool with. I also plan on taking public transportation more as I become more familiar with the bus routes. 


I will definitely keep buying less stuff. When I sat back and thought about all the stuff I own it was actually embarrassing to think about the money and natural resources that are wasted on unnecessary items. When I do buy things, I will think about how they are made and their impacts on the environment.


The one thing that will be the most difficult for me to continue doing is eating less meat. It is almost a habit to buy a steak or bacon that if I do not have the class to remind me I can see myself forgetting and then remembering after the fact. This will be something that I will work on and with time I hope to change my habits so that I do not think about buying meat nearly as often as I used to.