Calculating Ecological Footprints
A major reason Bangladesh has a relatively small ecological footprint is that it is a mainly agricultural and fishing nation of generally low income people (Bangladesh.) Thus they consume basically what they can grow and catch. With low income they have little import and export and do not affect the world ecological system as much as nations who have large import and export, such as the United States. The United States on the other hand has a large footprint because it is an industrial country with a high level of income, with the higher level of income there is a much greater demand for goods from other countries. The U.S. is the world’s largest importer and the third largest exporter (World’s 10) having a tremendous impact just in those factors alone. Importing goods means we are affecting other parts of the world by consuming the resources of that particular area. Also, since we are consuming more goods, we also affect the pollution of not only the originating areas but our own, we generate more waste and this waste affects our soil and air. Since we are a country of wealth and power we need to use it to help save our planet for ourselves and future generations, by setting and implementing standards in sustainability.
Based on the data in the table, average per capita income does affect ecological footprints but the major factor according to Global Footprint Network, is the nation’s consumption based on adding or subtracting imports and exports to its national production, having a direct impact on the nation’s footprint. The more they bring in or export the more they affect either their own land or that of another nation’s land. With wealth or a higher level income, people expect and demand more. They have a more expendable income to spend on other commodities than food, water and shelter. Unfortunately, you can see in the more developed countries that export and import a lot there is a larger footprint, these countries also have the means to do more for the ecological welfare of the world in addition to being the biggest force contributing to the impact. Smaller, underdeveloped countries that must depend on their own land and resources to survive have a smaller impact because they cannot afford to import or export goods like the more developed, richer countries. When they depend on themselves, they are not as apt to destroy or deplete their resources (except in instances like Easter Island).
I used two footprint calculators to determine my personal ecological footprint. Unfortunately my footprint came to 19.6 at http://www.myfootprint.org. I also went to Footprint of Nations Website (Ecological Footprint), there my foot print came to 37.81! Another site I visited was Global Footprint Network (Methodology) it was very interesting because it shows the number of earths needed to maintain my type of lifestyle 4.2, how many acres 21.6, and shows my footprint broken down. I would have to say compared to other nations and even our own, my footprint is pretty outrageous! I know that there are a lot of things I could change to help with this. Even with my busy lifestyle there are some very simple things starting with cutting back on eating as much animal bi-products. This would help cut down on global acres needed to produce these items, whether it be here in the U.S. or elsewhere in the world. Beef is one of the major contributors of methane gas which is depleting the Ozone layer, if everyone cut back on consumption of beef products, then this in turn will help with the ozone layer, depletion of forests cleared for more cattle grazing, and this in turn will help with soil erosion caused by the deforestation. Another action I could do would be look at purchasing items I use frequently either in bulk or in recycled packing materials to help cut down on waste. This would cut back on the materials or natural resources used and would also cut back on the waste that goes into landfills, which can contaminate our water and soil. I could cut back or consolidate my driving time, making sure all trips are necessary and to get the most out of each one. I frequently make several trips over the weekend to various errands that I could plan out so I achieve everything in just one or two trips. With this, I will save time for myself and conserve gas. I will also save wear and tear on my car, making it last longer and nullifying the need to replace it sooner. With the damage of air quality cause by cars and the waste and contamination of the junked car I can help have a positive effect. When the time comes to get a new car, I will make sure the mileage is higher/better than what I have in my Impala, this will save gas consumption and money spent. Some other areas I can change my habits or actions in a positive way is to eat more produce. I can start going to local farmers markets and make purchases from them. This is going to have a positive affect by cutting back on gas consumption to get the goods here; it will also help in my personal diet by getting more natural foods in my diet and getting away from processed foods, hopefully affecting my weight positively also. Doing this will help cut back on packaging and depletion of natural resources to attain this, air pollution and water pollution caused by production and waste or pollution after consumption. Another way I can also have a positive impact is to start using reusable grocery bags on a regular basis. I purchased some from a local store but I don’t always remember to use them, plus I hate all of the plastic bags my groceries are in. I want to have a positive impact on my ecological footprint and be able to influence by setting a good example for my family and friends to follow. As I’ve been told throughout my life, lead by example, I want my example to have a positive effect for many generations to come.

Bibliography
Bangladesh. Retrieved March 27, 2009, from Encyclopedia Britannica Web site: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/51736/Bangladesh (2007).
Methodology and Sources . Retrieved March 27, 2009, from Global Footprint Network Web site: http://ecofoot.org/
World’s 10 Largest Exporters and Importers, 2007. Retrieved March 27, 2009, from Hofstra University Web site: http://people.hofstra.edu/geotrans/eng/ch5en/conc5en/leadingtraders.html
Ecological Footprint Calculator. Retrieved March 27, 2009, from Ecological Footprint Calculator Web site: http://www.footprintofnations.org/Global%20Footprint%20Calculator/GFPCalc.html