Did you know we are in overshoot? What does that mean, and what should we do about it? Also in this episode, which has a smaller footprint – milk, or milk alternatives like almond milk? Dana informs us that, “Eating food is one of the worst things you can do for the environment.” Are some health departments preventing bulk filling of reusable containers? Carrying reusable utensils and napkin on your travels. And choosing carefully the trash can in which to deposit your refuse.

August 1, 2018 is Earth Overshoot Day. Data collected and analyzed by the Global Footprint Network tells us this is the date when humanity’s annual demand on nature begins to exceed what Earth’s ecosystems can regenerate in the entire year. If it falls anytime before December 31, it means we’re using more ecological resources and services than nature can regenerate - through activity like overfishing, overharvesting forests, and emitting more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than ecosystems can absorb.

According to Global Footprint Network’s co-founder, Mathis Wackernagel, “Our current economies are running a Ponzi scheme with our planet…. We are borrowing the Earth’s future resources to operate our economies in the present. Like any Ponzi scheme, this works for some time. But as nations, companies, or households dig themselves deeper and deeper into debt, they eventually fall apart.”

Dana and Dave interview random people to find out:

1. Are they aware of Earth Overshoot Day?
2. Do they know we’re in overshoot and what that is?
3. What are their ideas for delaying the date?

Check out our Overshoot Day interview video here.

Please share it, and let us know what you’re doing to #movethedate. We welcome your comments, emails and tweets. And watch the GrowthBusters podcast Facebook page or Global Footprint Network’s page for the #MoveTheDate live stream on August 1 at noon U.S. Eastern Daylight Time.

LINKS:

Overshoot Day Website

GrowthBusters Earth Overshoot Day Video

Video: Earth Overshoot Day Falls on August 1, 2018

Footprint Data

Solutions

Share your actions

Footprint calculator

The Four Lifestyle Choices that Most Reduce Your Carbon Footprint (Lund University study)

When It Comes to Nut Milk, What’s the Most Sustainable Option? 

Is Almond Milk Bad for the Planet?

Environmental & Social Impacts of Soy

Benefits of Pea Milk

Drink Pea Milk and Save the World: But What If The Peas are Shipped from France?