As a companion post to “Why should we care that today is Earth Overshoot Day 2019?“, this article covers three important ways that you can reduce your own Earth Overshoot Day.
Our earlier post gave a weblink to the resources for calculating our own personal Earth Overshoot Day using the Ecological Footprint Tool
By calculating you own personal Earth Overshoot Day, you can see your contribution to the current Earth Overshoot Day for 2019 at 29 July.
Whether your Earth Overshoot Day was higher or lower than 29 July, here are three tips to reduce your own Earth Overshoot Day
TIP 1
Save Waste Food – To move The Date of Earth Overshoot Day by 11 days
The amount of wasted food is equivalent to about 9% of the global Ecological Footprint.
Think about:
- Shop locally to but local, fresh produce
- Select your shopping carefully to avoid wasted food
- Have “left-overs” night to use up left-over food
- Improve food management at home by making soup from left-over veg
- Can you improve your household produce management—and cook soups at the end of the week?
TIP 2
Reduce car use – To move The Date of Earth Overshoot Day by 12 days
Cars are responsible for 19.7% of the global carbon Footprint. By reducing driving by 50% around the world and substituting one-third of car miles with public transportation and the rest by biking and walking would save 12 days.
Think about:
- Are there alternative options, such as bus and train
- Consider Care Shares with others work colleagues
- Can you work from home one or two days each week
- Consider your next vehicles as a fuel efficient or electric car
- Walk for those smaller journeys to the local shops, pub or friends
TIP 2
Save Waste Food – To move The Date of Earth Overshoot Day by 11 days
The amount of wasted food is equivalent to about 9% of the global Ecological Footprint.
Think about:
- Shop locally to but local, fresh produce
- Select your shopping carefully to avoid wasted food
- Have “left-overs” night to use up left-over food
- Improve food management at home by making soup from left-over veg
- Can you improve your household produce management—and cook soups at the end of the week?
TIP 3
Go veggie – To move The Date of Earth Overshoot Day by 5 days
Reducing global meat consumption by 50% and using more plants for our meals, we would move Overshoot Day by 5 days.
Think about:
- Expanding your vegetarian recipes in your kitchen
- Try raw vegetables as a snack, such as carrot
- Use pulses and lentils to replace meat in meals
- Challenge friends and family to cook the best veggie meal
After reading and trying some of the ideas above, why not feedback on your experiences below.