Big feet? Me?

I just took one of those quizzes which determine what my "footprint" on the Earth is. My result was scary, and not at all what I expected. According to Consumer Consequences, if everyone lived my lifestyle, we would need the resources of 4.3 Earths to support us. This is based on a complicated calculation which concludes that, to accomplish sustainability, each person should use only the resources available on 4.5 acres of land. Apparently I am using more than my share of many natural resources, and I am generating too much garbage too rapidly. In my own defense, I live in a state in which the idea of recycling has just begun to enter the consciousness of the mainstream. I recycle what I can in my city, which includes aluminum, #1 and #2 plastics, and paper and cardboard. I have no place to take glass, other plastics, or anything else.
Recently American Public Media reporter Tess Vigeland issued an interesting challenge to her readers. She challenged us to carry our garbage with us for a week. The point, of course, is to realize how much trash we each generate and attempt to lower our individual amount. I may try it.
Here are the rules: (1) If you recycle or compost it, it does not count.(2) Trash generated in restaurants or at work counts, so watch those paper napkins and Styrofoam cups. Paper towels in restrooms also count. (Tess carries a cloth napkin with her. Resourceful girl!) (3) If it is going to smell, put it in a plastic bag (preferably one you have saved from its previous use). (4) No pet waste.
I will let you know how I progress, but I am not starting until 2008. I know. If I were a truly sustainable person, I would carry my garbage through the holidays. Not going to happen.
You can take the quiz yourself at http://sustainability.publicradio.org/consumerconsequences/