How to Test Your Ecological Footprint
- 1). Write down the type of energy sources you use in your home: electricity, natural gas or propane, heating oil, or wood and biomass.
- 2). Look at your electricity bill to determine what percentage of the electricity in your house is generated by a renewable energy source such as hydropower, wind, biomass or solar power. The average amount of renewable energy used in the United States is 8.29 percent, according to the Center for Sustainable Energy.
- 3). Calculate how many miles you travel each year by automobile, bus, rail or air.
- 4). Write down all the ways you strive to save energy. Write down whether your use compact fluorescent light bulbs, energy efficient appliances, extra insulation, storm doors and windows and solar panels. Take note of your energy saving habits. Turn off the lights when you leave a room, use power strips to turn off stand-by lights, keep computers and monitors shut off when not in use, dry clothes outside, keep a thermostat low during winter and unplug appliances and power equipment when they are not in use.
- 5). Write down your food purchasing and eating habits to determine your food footprint. Write down your diet and whether you are a vegan, vegetarian or omnivore. Note where you buy your food, whether at supermarkets, farmers markets, natural food stores or restaurants. Write down if you garden.
- 6). Note household practices such as whether or not you recycle and what you recycle, how many garbage cans you have in your home and what type of natural or organic furnishings and household products your family uses.
- 7). Search for a website that has a footprint calculator. There are dozens of sites on the Internet that test your ecological footprint, including the Footprinter website and My Foot Print. Enter the data you collected into these calculators to determine your carbon, food, housing, and goods and services footprint. These sites will also provide tips on how to lower your ecological footprint.