Thinking about our consumption

Perhaps the most earth-friendly act we can make is to be mindful of our appetite and ability to consume. The earth's ecological assets are finite and our collective use of them can have limits while fulfilling our needs.

Sustainable consumption starts with an understanding of the amount of resources we personally demand in the production and shipping of the products we buy; the size of our living space; or the amount we drive instead of considering an alternative source of transit. Sustainable consumption offers alternatives, and in each case, the outcome is a healthier body, mind and planet.

A helpful first step is calculating what is known as our 'ecological footprint'—the impact we make on the earth. For example, it's widely publicized that Americans consume about 25 percent of the world's natural resources but are only 5 percent of the world's population.

What is our fair share, and how should we set a goal for consumption that meets an earth-balanced life?

New Year's resolutions for a greener life

Resources
Fixing the Planet
The Green Life from the Sierra Club
The Story of Stuff
Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District's guide to donating used items.