How Big Is Your "Urban Sprawl Footprint?"
How Big Is Your "Urban Sprawl Footprint?"
Urban sprawl is the unplanned expansion of cities into the rural area surrounding the city to create low-density suburbs.. Poor urban planning is a major problem in the US because it leads to long commute times, extensive road and infrastructure construction, a private automobile-centered culture (and thus severe dependence on fossil fuels), and habitat destruction, among other issues. Take this quiz to see how big your "urban sprawl footprint" is!
*Take this survey as if you were still in high school*
Urban sprawl is the unplanned expansion of cities into the rural area surrounding the city to create low-density suburbs.. Poor urban planning is a major problem in the US because it leads to long commute times, extensive road and infrastructure construction, a private automobile-centered culture (and thus severe dependence on fossil fuels), and habitat destruction, among other issues. Take this quiz to see how big your "urban sprawl footprint" is!
*Take this survey as if you were still in high school*
How long did it take you to get to your high school every morning (by car)?
If you needed a new bottle of shampoo, how would you go about getting one?
How far away is your closest neighbor?
There are practical sidewalks in my neighborhood that people frequently use.
How did you get to school every morning?
How wide is the street you live on?
Do you use public transportation?
Does the street you live on end in a cul-de-sac?
Pick the choice that best describes the set up of your neighborhood:
How strong is the sense of community in your neighborhood?
Your footprint is size: Big Foot
Your footprint is size: Big Foot
You're living out the full American Dream - and the environment, community, and government are paying for it. Although the spacious yard and the single family home may seem attractive, it isn't sustainable. Driving back and forth on highways to go between home and the city wastes time and pollutes the air. People living far apart in private homes tends to cause a weak sense of community. Plus, wouldn't it be nice to have a short 5 minute walk to work instead of the 30 min commute by gas-guzzling car? Because you're so far away from things you need and places you have to go, you're almost 100% dependent on your private automobile. You have to drive even to get daily necessities, or worse you have to order them online (and make a fossil-fuel burning truck deliver them to your doorstep). Although your past high school-self had a large "footprint," in the future you have the power to liberate yourself and the environment by purchasing a house or apartment close to the things you need!
Your footprint is size: Normal human
Your footprint is size: Normal human
Your footprint is about the size of typical American - not necessarily a good thing, mind you. Living in suburban low-density neighborhoods is a sure sign of sprawl, and the secluded, private homes lead to a weak sense of community. In suburban areas, builders are making the streets wider so people can drive faster and thus drive more - not something that happens in the cities! In addition to building wide streets, cul-de-sacs are popular, which have no outlets, instilling yet more driving. Instead of building cul-de-sacs, neighborhoods should be building sidewalks. Less and less neighborhoods are still building functional sidewalks (ones not just for show that end abruptly and lead to nowhere). Urban sprawl neighborhoods are frequently monofunctional. That is, since the area is private homes for miles around, you can't buy anything or go anywhere without a car. Although you live out in the 'burbs, try to at least break out the bike once in a while to get from point A to point B rather than taking a gas-guzzling car. Hate to break it to you, but your lifestyle is sucking money out of city centers and stifling habitats that used to be where your living room is. Try to drive less and walk more!
Your footprint is size: Cinderella
Your footprint is size: Cinderella
You're lifestyle says you're urban sprawl savvy! Even if you live in a suburb, you try to bike, walk, and use public transportation, thereby causing less air pollution and perhaps even helping your waistline. You could be even better though - try using shops that are close to your home, or even move into the inner city! Low-density neighborhoods are very problematic when it comes to urban sprawl. The private homes and spread-out nature of the suburbs leads to a weak sense of community and also poor land usage. Sprawl is also frequently monofunctional; since the only buildings for miles around are residential, the only way to buy simple every day necessities is to drive to a store. Low-density urban sprawl also takes over animal's habitat due to land development and can suck money out of city centers to build new developments far away, leaving the inner city run down and initiating more flight to the suburbs. If you don't already, consider living closer to the city center to help with some of the issues relating to urban sprawl.
Your footprint is size: Newborn baby
Your footprint is size: Newborn baby
Look at you, being a fabulous example of a city-dwelling citizen! Congratulations - you live in a sustainable way. You minimize production of greenhouse gases, preserve wildlife habitat, and keep the city happy and healthy! Between short commutes, a strong sense of community, safe speed limits, and high-density living, your lifestyle has a small environmental impact. You can walk or bike to your destinations no problem - you live in a place where sidewalks get used and people don't need cars to survive. Keep doing what you're doing.