{"id":907,"date":"2022-07-06T17:28:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-06T17:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awarenyc.com\/?p=907"},"modified":"2022-08-04T17:40:03","modified_gmt":"2022-08-04T17:40:03","slug":"become-aware-your-environmental-footprint-what-it-means-for-the-earth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awarenyc.com\/become-aware-your-environmental-footprint-what-it-means-for-the-earth\/","title":{"rendered":"Become Aware: Your Environmental Footprint & What it Means for the Earth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Nowadays, many people, businesses, and organizations are talking about \u201cReducing their Environmental Footprint.\u201d However, as people become more aware of the impact of their actions on the earth and environment, it\u2019s becoming increasingly concerning how much we consume resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your \u201cEnvironmental Footprint\u201d is your use of natural resources and the production of greenhouse gasses and other forms of pollution and energy. A lot of waste is being produced daily, and we need to do something about it to help keep our earth healthy and clean for generations to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve never taken the Footprint Calculator<\/a> quiz, we encourage you to do so. The calculator will help generalize and estimate how much energy and other resources you use. It will also come up with the number of earth(s) we would need to sustain if everyone lived like you. The quiz intends to bring awareness and help you begin your journey towards less consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cold, Hard, Non-Environmentally Friendly Facts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the United States, researchers<\/a> believe it would take five earths to support human life if everyone lived similarly to the average American. The results of that study hit hard, which is why many people, businesses, and organizations are trying to change some of their patterns and consumption habits to be more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Keep reading to learn more about the alarming statistics of water and material use and greenhouse gas production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water Environmental Footprint<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Water waste contributes to the potential for water scarcity in the future. Wasting water is not suitable for the environment because water goes through various processes that consume energy to filter the water to be safe enough to drink, bathe, cook, etc. The average American household uses approximately 300 gallons<\/a> of water daily. Wasting water can be extremely expensive in terms of the economy, environment, and energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Material Waste<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A study<\/a> suggested that about 20% of the world\u2019s natural resources go to waste annually. The quick pace of natural resource consumption is not good for our earth or us. The use of these natural resources has also been associated with climate change, as well as air and water quality issues. In 2017, about 35.2% of waste was repossessed by Americans by recycling or composting. If we can keep this momentum, we stand a chance of preserving our earth\u2019s natural resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Greenhouse Gas Production<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Greenhouse gases are chemicals that are released into the atmosphere from the production of carbon dioxide and methane. These chemical compounds are not good for the environment and can potentially produce radiation into the atmosphere. Researchers found that human-made greenhouse gas pollution released into the environment has been connected to global warming. In 2018 alone, emissions produced per person were around 20.4 metric tons. By reducing your household energy use, you are helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Household Energy Suckers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s crucial to know familiar household energy sources<\/a>. Knowledge is the power to understand the impact and effect of consumption habits on the earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n