Tooting my own ecological footprint horn

I’ve learned quite a bit about sustainability over the course of this class. I have certainly noticed some small changes in my behavior, but here is a list of things that I’ve been doing for a very long time (long before I took this class) that have been good for reducing my ecological footprint.  This is where I toot my own horn a bit.

-          I don’t have any kids – I don’t have any kids, and I don’t plan on ever having them.  Over population is a huge problem for the world. There are just not enough resources in the world for everyone to live comfortably.  So I am happily doing my part to battle overpopulation.

-          I always take the stairs at school – Over the last two years at western, I’ve only taken the elevator one time, and that was so I could continue the conversation I was having with my professor.  Even when where I need to go is on the 4^th floor, I will always take the stairs.  The exercise is good for my body and the electricity I’m not using is good for the environment.  It’s a win win situation.

-          I don’t buy very many things – the best thing about having practically no income over the past 5 years is that I can’t afford to buy stupid crap that I don’t want/need.

-          Roommates – I always live with roommates, and we share resources

-          No pets – I don’t have any pets, so I don’t have to use resources to take care of them

-          Fast food – I don’t ever eat fast food anymore. Think about all the cows I’ve saved, and all the energy I don’t use by not eating at certain establishments.  Plus, I’m much healthier than I would be if ate at McDonald’s all the time.

-          Turn the water off when I brush my teeth – I’ve been doing this for years.  Hooray for me!

-          Purchase used  products when I can – I am a firm believer that most used products are just as good as new ones.  I have purchased plenty of used cars, clothes, instruments, electronic devices, music, shoes, sporting goods, and other things that I can’t remember right now.

-          No babies – I don’t have any babies, I know I mentioned this already, but this is one of the best choices I have ever made. Absolutely no babies for me, ever!

-          Parking – instead of driving around aimlessly, searching for the nearest parking spot, I will usually take the first one I see, even if it is far away. By doing this I’m saving valuable resources, including my time.

-          Library – Instead of purchasing books, I like to use the library.  You can get them there for free and when you’re done reading them, you bring them back.  No purchase necessary.  No storing necessary.  It is great.

That’s all I can think of for now.  Look at me go!