What is an Ecological Footprint?

Through the determination of the ecological footprint of an individual, it is possible to gauge whether human demands on nature are exceeding the supply. International studies show that our planet has only 1.9 hectares of nature to meet the needs of each person living on the earth which equates to a footprint of 1.9 per person.

According to the Ecological Footprints of Canadian Municipalities and Regions prepared for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the average Canadian uses 7.25 hectares of land and water to sustain their current lifestyle. The average Canadian, therefore, has a footprint of 7.25. The size of the footprint of an average resident of York Region is 8.28.

Our Ecological Footprint Publication - Calculate your ecofootprint, read about safe home cleaning, get tips about energy reduction and much more.

How to reduce your ecofootprint?

• Change over ALL my lighting to energy efficient light bulbs
• Turn off lights, TV, stereo, computer etc., when not in use
• Compost and Recycle
• Buy toilet paper and other paper products made from recycled or FSC approved paper
• Use plants in the garden that require less water
• Take public transportation whenever possible
• Try to walk, ride a bike, or carpool whenever possible
• Buy ONLY what you really NEED
• Buy REUSED and RECYCLED products
• Buy from ethical companies
• Buy products that are the least packaged
• Eat more locally grown and raised organic foods
• Have a vegetarian meal at least once a week
• Buy loose or bulk foods