Update on Ecological Footprint

When I first calculated my Ecological Footprint, I was using 3.2 planets! I decided to rethink some of my daily activities to try and decrease my consumption.

I started to use my recycle mug more often, and I bring my cloth bag in to the grocery store, and even when I shop at the mall! I also started to by a lot of my groceries at the Co-Op so that I could buy more bulk items to reduce packaging. I also eat all locally grown organic fruits and vegetables.

I was able to reduce my planet size from 3.2 to 2.7

I will be able to continue my process on reducing my carbon imprint. I will also try and influence other people, like my friends and family to also do the same!

I also want to reduce my water use. I do take long hot showers and am now realizing the water depletion in other countries. Another thing I want to do but will be hard, is buying more sustainable clothing. Its still very expensive since the demand is down, but I will try and look for more options when shopping.

The one thing that might take me awhile to do is reduce my meat consumption. I tried the vegetarian thing for a few months but I just couldn't do it.

After taking my Marketing and Sustainability class I have been a lot more conscience on my daily activities. I also feel bad when I throw anything away I can’t recycle.

Goolge search "Know What Your Wearing"! Our cotton website shows up!

Or click HERE!

Greenwashing at WWU?!?!

In this weeks Western Front, there is an article pertaining the the new "biodegradable" plastic cups, that I normally buy my Iced Vanilla Latte when I forget my reusable mug and don't feel as bad.

According to this article each month Western sell about 9,000 of them!

The good thing is that it uses 65% less fossil fuels to produce compared to regular plastic cups, and also produce 80-90% less greenhouse gasses.

The "greenwashing" part of it all is what conditions it needs to be able to biodegrade. The cup "must be in an environment that is capable of reaching temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 consecutive days."

Especially in Washington when will it ever get to 140 degrees Fahrenheit... Maybe soon enough with the way our garbage habits our.

But the major problem is "where do we compost on campus?" I can think of two places Artzen and the VU. But there are so many lazy students... including me who don't want to walk all that way just to compost my coffee cup. According to the article "The compost bins are not found in more locations around campus because they are more expensive for Dining Services to keep than normal waste bins."

I like how our school is claiming to be "Green" parse but weren't not doing enough. I can think of numerous small things we could implement, instead of all these million dollar projects our university is spending on such as Replacing the Bricks!

Definitely go to this link to read the article because it's very interesting