We always read about sustainability and being conscious about our environmental choices, but
what do we really know about being sustainable.
Sustainability is not just about the environment. Sustainability is what you leave behind for the
next generation. I believe there is a fine line between using nature for survival and using nature
for our greediness.
Since I was a little girl, I was horrified by the pollution stories and pictures I saw. When I look at
our present circumstances, it shocks me what humans are capable of, given that it’s only a matter
of 15 years later.
I was convinced that I was living sustainably and always believed that I was doing the most with
the world’s resources. However, I was shocked with my results when I used the Ecological
footprint calculator, which confirmed that I was not as sustainable as I thought.
It’s important to know what your ecological footprint is. It would help you to achieve the
eudaimonic life that we all wish to accomplish.
Part A
According to the site, https://www.footprintcalculator.org/result1a, if everyone lived like me, we
would need 1.5 earths, leaving me with an unsustainable ecological footprint of 2.5 global
hectares or ghd.
The calculator used Kant’s theory where the action is only acceptable if it will maximize the
good by applying and accepting the maxim as a universal law. As we discovered Kant’s
categorical imperative, it is about the good intention of the act rather than the consequences of
the action.
I’m afraid I have to disagree with this universal method of calculating the Ecological footprint. I
believe it’s important to apply logic because the calculator needs to be refined according to
specific countries regarding their population, demographics, HDI, and their current
circumstances in terms of sustainability. Humans are equal, however not the same applies to
countries.
I believe that as a person, I am doing my best to be sustainable. Still, I am contemplating what I
can do more or what I should do less when I entered my statistics into the calculator… putting
this into perspective. I live in a small town, about two hours drive from Cape Town. I do not
consume meat, only dairy, chicken, and eggs on a very low scale. However, I am not vegetarian,
but it’s a preference due to medical conditions in the family. Our town mainly consisting of
farmers; therefore, it’s pretty easy to get hold of locally produced vegetables and fruits for a low
price. However, unprocessed dairy products would be difficult and expensive to find here as the
choices are limited. In terms of shelter and electricity, I believe that it’s not reasonably
calculated.
We, as renters, do not have any control over the electricity supply of our housing. I believe this
should be calculated for the owners of the property.
