"Take only memories, Leave only footprints" - Chief Seattle
Most people have seen/heard some version of this phrase and understand the general meaning. I am a coastal ecologist and just lost another pair of sunglasses in the field (ocean to be exact). This time I was actually not working, but just enjoying some leisure beach time. Anyway, it prompted me to think about the many items ecologists (and general outdoor enthusiasts) lose off boats, or docks, or in swamps, wetland, forests, etc. over the course of a career/lifetime. Not to mention derelict remnants from field studies, lost unintentionally and never found. While the notion of an ecological footprint has garnered criticism (i.e., see https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2008.07.023), it would be interesting to estimate the "footprint (or sustainability)" of various sub-disciplines in ecology. This is not my particular area of expertise but it would seem "someone" could start by comparing the waste stream of a few sectors. On a side note, I have decided to try and decrease my personal footprint by replacing my lost sunglasses with a pair made from recycled fishing net. I won't make any endorsement, but there is currently only one company so you can easily Google them. Also, a float line for sunglasses is a MUST! Happy Friday! Chanda
