Biosphere

 The Biosphere

Ch. 3 through Cycles (p.28) - 

The reason the universe remains dynamic, nowhere near thermal equilibrium, is because there are stars...When they are born, stars forge atoms of hydrogen and helium into carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements, and in the process convert nuclear energy into radiation and light energy (Smolin 1997, 34). They fling their transformed matter and energy out into the universe. We are made of star material, and every atom of matter on Earth originated in the core of a star (Robertson 2017). 

It was interesting to read about how us humans are made up of star material and that we are alive today because of a sky full of stars. Finding out all the elements in the atmosphere needed to support life are from stars was very surprising. I personally believed stars only produced light energy to allow us to see in the dark and did not have any other purpose. The fact that something we consider so small is the reason why the universe is held up together makes me realize how undervalued stars are. It really makes you contemplate how every part of the universe is fulfilling its purpose of keeping us alive.       

Ch. 3 The Biosphere to Earth System Science (p.34) - 

All living things circulate energy and chemicals through the biosphere. Energy moves through in one direction; chemical materials cycle around and are reused. Every organism must obtain energy to live either directly from its environment or by eating other organisms (Robertson 2017). 

 I find it fascinating how the earth is built up of all living things obtaining energy from what is available to them whether it is from its own environment or by eating other organisms. We were brought into this world to use the resources that were provided to us by nature and be responsible for the way we choose to use it without compromising future generations of their own resources. 

 

Carbon Footprint

My Results

My Results

The results from my carbon footprint did not surprise me as I know I am able to live more sustainably than I currently am. I expected my home to reach similar households as I live in a medium-sized household with six people including myself. Our water usage as a family is almost three times and could be improved if we limited the length of our showers. The changes I could make to my lifestyle to improve my results have to do with reducing my use of electricity, water and how much I spend a month on goods and services. I could reduce my use electricity by shutting off the lights when they aren't in use and taking advantage of daylight during the day. I could reduce my water usage by taking off a few minutes from my typical shower time and setting a timer for less than 10 minutes to keep me aware of the amount of watering I am going through each minute. I could reduce my monthly spending on shopping by transitioning into a minimalistic lifestyle, which I am currently in the process of doing. By shopping less, I am saving on: gas and money. To live a minimal lifestyle means to use less of what I already have resulting in a less is more mindset. I personally believe with the small changes I plan on making that I will be able to see improvement by the end of the year.  

References

Robertson, M. (2017). Sustainability Principles and Practice. Routledge.