SCI 219 1-1 Discussion How Do Humans Contribute to Environmental Problems
Ashley Allen
Southern New Hampshire University
My environmental impact is 7.8 gha, while my biosphere is 4.7 gha. My ecological footprint as a
whole is 57% carbon-based. May 7 is my personal Earth Overshoot Day, which means that if
everyone lived like I do, by that time, we would have consumed all the natural resources that
Earth can replenish in a year. In addition, 2.9 Earths would be required if everyone lived like me.
The two things I consume the most are food and housing, each of which accounts for 1.0 gha of
my consumption (How many planets does it take to support your lifestyle?, n.d.). The answers
are a little surprising, but upon reflection, the older, larger house I reside in does consume a lot of
energy. I occasionally ride in a carpool with coworkers to and from work, but I think I should
look into doing it more often. My partner and I need to look at ways to use less energy in our
house and purchase more locally farmed food.
References:
How many planets does it take to sustain your lifestyle? Ecological Footprint Calculator. (n.d.).
Retrieved January 2, 2023, from https://www.footprintcalculator.org/en/results/0/facts-figures
