which of the following would decrease the human ecological footprint? 1) using bottled water instead of tap water 2) using public transportation instead of riding in a car 3) buying books instead of borrowing from the library 4) using hot water instead of cold to wash clothing I need help :(
Which one do you think will help protect the environment? I would discard 1 and 4.
Of the options provided, the choice that would decrease the human ecological footprint is option 2) using public transportation instead of riding in a car. Here's why:
1) Using bottled water instead of tap water - This would actually increase the human ecological footprint. Bottled water production requires the extraction and use of natural resources, manufacturing processes, transportation, and disposal of plastic bottles, all of which have an environmental impact. In contrast, tap water is generally a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option, as it undergoes regulation and can be consumed directly from the tap.
2) Using public transportation instead of riding in a car - This choice would indeed decrease the human ecological footprint. Public transportation, such as buses, trains, or trams, can transport multiple people at once, reducing the number of vehicles on the road. This can help decrease fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and air pollution. Public transportation also promotes more efficient use of urban space by reducing the need for extensive parking infrastructures.
3) Buying books instead of borrowing from the library - While reading books is a valuable activity, this choice would not necessarily decrease the human ecological footprint. Purchasing books requires the production of new copies, which involves using resources, energy, and contributing to waste generation. Borrowing books from the library, on the other hand, encourages sharing and reuse, reducing the overall demand for new book production.
4) Using hot water instead of cold to wash clothing - This choice would not decrease the human ecological footprint. Heating water requires energy, whether it is from fossil fuels or electricity, which can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Using cold water for washing clothes would be a more energy-efficient choice, as it eliminates the need for water heating, and can have a significant impact on reducing energy consumption.
In summary, of the options provided, using public transportation instead of riding in a car would be the choice that decreases the human ecological footprint.