As a citizen of the world, each uses part of the available space on this earth for himself. However, consumption differs per individual. How much space a person actually uses depends on the way of life and on a person’s consumption pattern. To find out how much this consumption actually is, a model has been devised that makes it possible to calculate this consumption. Usage is expressed in hectares and thus reflects the Global Footprint. Curious about your Global Footprint?
The Global Footprint
Consumption pattern and lifestyle
Canadian scientists have devised a model with which we can calculate how much space we use of this earth, based on our personal lifestyle. Our consumption pattern and our way of life determine how large that space actually is. Our diet, the clothes we wear, the way we travel (the mode of transport) and the products we buy all take up the available space on Earth. The space that a person uses individually is expressed in hectares and is known as The Global Footprint. In addition to the Global Footprint of people, it is also possible with this model to calculate in the same way for products, companies, cities and countries how much surface area is needed for the energy and space used.
Calculating your Global Footprint
Everything we use has to be converted into the amount of space it requires. Food and drink must be grown, produced and / or transported. Forests that need to be cut down are opposite to our paper consumption. For houses, roads and farmland, the amount of space is clear. In the case of energy consumption, this is first converted into the amount of CO2 emissions. A certain area of forest is needed to convert CO2 emissions into oxygen (CO2 compensation). All consumption is converted into space on earth and expressed in hectares. The number of hectares determines the size of your Global Footprint.
Why do we calculate our Global Footprint?
Fair distribution of available earth
In order to preserve the nature and biodiversity (diversity of animals, plants and micro-organisms) on our earth, we must use it sparingly. After all, world stocks are not inexhaustible; there are limited resources and usable land. If we deal with this well together and do not make up everything, there is no problem at all. But in practice, our planet is not always treated wisely and equally. The Global Footprint of rich western countries is many times greater than that of poor countries. Ideally, every inhabitant of this earth needs 1.8 hectares. In that case, the available earth is distributed fairly among all inhabitants in this world and we also give nature enough space to survive. The average Global Footprint is unfortunately many times higher. If we continue like this we will soon not be enough with one globe!
Global footprint in the Netherlands
The Dutch are living very well
Here in the Netherlands, we live in a rich country with a high standard of living and the automatically associated luxury lifestyle. This is clearly visible in our Global Footprint: the average Dutch person has a Global Footprint of 4.4 hectares. To give you an idea: this is almost as much as 8 football fields together. With this Footprint of 4.4 hectares, we are far above the ideal Footprint of 1.8 hectares. In short, only one conclusion is possible: We clearly live too much in the Netherlands. This way of life causes too great an impact on the natural reserves of the earth.
Lower your Global Footprint
You cannot save the world on your own. But it is true that every little bit helps. So it does make sense to consciously look at one’s own lifestyle and to consider whether a few small changes in the consumption pattern can reduce one’s Global Footprint.
Food and drink
- Eat less meat
- Eat less dairy
- Eat more plant products
- Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables
- Eat Dutch products
- Don’t buy too much
- Don’t overcook
Way of life
- Separating waste (glass, paper, organic waste, plastic)
- Buy second hand
- Trade with family and / or friends
- Do not accept plastic bags, but buy your own bag
- NO / NO sticker on the letterbox (saves a lot of paper and unnecessary purchases
- Do not leave equipment on standby (unplugging it is even better)
- Use energy-saving lamps
- Burn candles instead of a table lamp
- Put on a thick sweater and lower the heating
- Lower the thermostat during the evening
- Don’t shower too long
- Take the bicycle instead of the car
- Go on holiday by train or bus instead of by plane