The Tread Lightly Challenge

At our current rate of consumption, humans require the equivalent of 1.4 planets to provide the resources we use and absorb our waste. As greenhouse gas emissions increase along with our rate of consumption, the situation is getting worse. We need to reduce our consumption now because we only have one planet.

Pledge to reduce your footprint and see what a big difference small changes can make!

Create a personalized challenge for yourself by choosing where you would like to reduce your footprint. Commit to one or more of the following categories.

Here's how to participate:

1. 1

   Measure your ecological footprint using the calculator on the right.

2. 2

   Commit to reducing your footprint in one or more of the five categories in the Tread Lightly Challenge – food, water, waste, transportation, and energy. You will get 100 points for every category you commit to. Decide how long you want your Challenge to be - one week, two weeks, or longer!

3. 3

   Encourage your friends and peers to join you in the Challenge. You'll receive 50 points for every friend who accepts.

4. 4

   Change your habits and record the actions you take to keep track of your progress. You will get 10 points for every action you take.

5. 5

   Use the Comment box to document your progress by sharing pictures, videos, and words of encouragement.

6. 6

   Measure your ecological footprint again at the end of your challenge, and celebrate your achievements with your friends!

• Food
• Energy
• Waste
• Water
• Transportation