Leaving a Smaller "Footprint" on the Earth

Our use of non-renewable natural resources, as well as the residue we leave behind, impresses a "footprint" upon the earth. The sustainable use of resources leaves a smaller footprint and more room for others. The dictionary defines sustainable as “capable of being sustained,” and sustainability as “use of a resource without depleting or permanently damaging it.” Sustainability is rooted in our view of nature as a model for balancing human needs with the needs of all life on our planet. By trying to harmonize our lives with these natural systems, we can help to ensure the collective survival of all life. To engage in sustainable living means to first take stock of how we impact all life on our planet and then to adjust our habits and action to offer the best possibility for the long term health of Mother Earth.

TAKING STOCK

Using less is by far the most important change we can make in our personal lives. Waste is the unsavory hallmark of 21st century life, and it's an issue that you and I can tackle immediately! Our housing space, the number and type of vehicles we drive, the frequency of our trips and the distance traveled, and the quantity and true necessity of “stuff” we regularly purchase and consume are just a few aspects of our lives that bear examination. Ask the question: could I live comfortably with less? For most of us, the answer is likely Yes! Downscaling is our most effective tool to lighten our footprint. Every barrel of oil saved, every acre of farmland not paved over, every species of animal saved from extinction are examples of gifts we can pass on to the next generations. After our best downscaling, we can then turn our attention to additional earth-keeping efforts.