A measure of the impact humans have on the environment is called an  ecological footprint. A country’s ecological footprint is the sum of all  the cropland, grazing land, forest and fishing grounds required to  produce the food, fibre and timber it consumes, to absorb the wastes  emitted when it uses energy and to provide space for infrastructure

studies have shown that we need to consume less if we are to live within the regenerative capacity of the Earth.

Australia We have been exceeding the Earth’s ability to support our lifestyle.  Habitats are being destroyed; our soils and waterways are being  degraded. The balance must be restored.

In Australia, we’re consuming more than three times our fair share of the planet’s natural resources.

If we continue these consumption patterns, we will face an ecological  overshoot that will have far-reaching future consequences for people and  nature.
Australians have one of the largest environmental footprints per capita in the world, requiring 6.8 global hectares per person.
If all people consumed the Earth’s resources the way that we do in  Australia, it would take the resources of more than three Earths to  support us.
Although advances in technology have helped people to produce things  more efficiently, the benefits have been over-shadowed by ever-growing  levels of consumption. Most of this is by affluent Western economies and  the emerging middle classes of the developing world.
More than 50% of humanity’s global footprint comes from carbon emissions; other pressures are linked to commodities such as crops, meat, fish and wood.

eco Dental is making a conscious effort to reduce its eco footprint, we do this by:

– Using bamboo and 100% recycled paper and in some cases elephant dung paper

– aiming to be a paperless practice by reducing paper use where possible, you can help by opting out of a printed receipt, we are happy to email one to you!

– using recycled garbage bags

– being keen recyclers

– using biodegradable plastic cups for patient rinses

– giving each patient a bamboo toothbrush at their Hygiene clean appointments

– using stainless steel instruments where possible to reduce disposable instruments

– LED lighting and Tvs which consume less energy

– use of digital xrays so there is no disposal of harmful chemicals

– sky lights throughout practice to reduce the use of lights

– central electricity shut off to reduce energy when the surgery is not in use

For more information or to give us your own advice and tips on how to reduce our eco footprint call us on 9566 4400