Aside from the shame, I was surprised. While I don't own solar panels, travel everywhere by bike or compost my kitchen waste, I'd always assumed I lead a pretty green existence. At home we recycle all our glass and paper, carry fabric bags whenever we shop, have started buying eco nappies and always choose loose veg over pre packed at the shops. I also endeavour to buy seasonal food, and try my best to choose Irish produce that hasn't had far to travel.

I try not to boil more water than I need and turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Despite these concessions to Mother Earth, it seems I'm a long way off making a difference.

Admittedly this ecological footprint quiz doesn't delve deep into the minutiae of life, focusing mostly on transport with a little attention given to eating practices and accommodation and the results are based on national averages relative to other people in the country you live in. By aggregating data on the consumption of various resources and on the ability of the earth to provide them, the quiz results provide a means to compare various components of consumption and ultimately serve as an indicator of sustainability . . . or, in the case of deficits, of unsustainability.

Created by Earth Day Network, a group that promotes environmental citizenship and progressive action worldwide, the quiz serves as a harsh reminder that we are, for the most part, a shamefully wasteful race. If you're curious as to how much pressure you personally place on the planet I'd recommend logging on and taking part. After you've fessed up and taken stock of your footprint, click on the 'Take Action' button which allows you to calculate ways to limit your future environmental impact. Many changes are easily executed and the overall message is perfectly simple: We don't have to stop using the earth's resources but we do have to stop wasting them.