Sustainability is a combination of population size and consumption of resources per person.

Primary Discussion Response is due by Friday (11:59:59pm Central), Peer Responses are due by Tuesday (11:59:59pm Central).

Task Description:
Sustainability is a combination of population size and consumption of resources per person.  In this discussion, we will work as a class to understand sustainability as it applies to our lives.  Here is what you need to do.

For your main post (due by Friday)

1. Select one of the three Term Options, and view the associated video 
   • Option 1 –     
   • Option 2 – 
   • Option 3 – 
2. Summarize what you learned about your selected term in a detailed paragraph. 
3. Use one of the following calculators to determine your individual footprint: 
   •  
   •  
4. Compare your values to the set of national averages from the calculator you used: 
   • If you chose the Ecological Footprint calculator, compare your values to these national averages: 
     • Ecological Footprint = 8.1 gha 
       • Food = 2.0 gha 
       • Shelter = 0.3 gha 
       • Mobility = 3.5 gha 
       • Goods = 0.8 gha 
       • Services = 1.5 gha
   • If you chose the Carbon Footprint calculator, compare your values to these national averages: 
     • Carbon Footprint = 66,810 lbs 
       • Home Energy = 43,076 lbs 
       • Transportation = 20,968 lbs 
       • Waste = 2,766 lbs
5. In a detailed paragraph answer these questions using the results of your footprint calculation: 
   • What would the impact be if each person in the world had the same footprint as you? 
   • In what areas are your footprint values less than the national average? 
   • In what areas are your footprint values greater than the national average? 
   • Were these results surprising to you?  Why or why not?
6. In a detailed paragraph, describe three ways you can reduce your footprint; which of these changes would be easiest, which would be hardest, and why.

For your two replies (due by the following Tuesday)

1. Read the posts of at least two peers. Try to select peers that researched the terms you did not select. The goal is to learn about all three terms, one from your research, and the other two from your peers’ work. 
2. Explain to your peer what you learned from their post and how their information was similar and/or different from your information. 
3. Compare and contrast your ideas for reducing your footprint to your peer’s ideas.  Did you get a new idea from their post? 

Grading Criteria Table: Use this table as a checklist while you work on this assignment.