Supported by
Overview
“We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” – Native American Proverb
Our footprints can be used to understand our impact on the world around us. In the snow during winter or at the beach during summer, we see our footprints creating pockets in the snow and sand, though our ecological footprint is way larger than the size of our feet. Everywhere we go and everything we do has an impact on our planet, which together adds up to this.
An ecological footprint measures the resources we use, both directly and indirectly. Sometimes it’s obvious, like the amount of water used while taking a shower. More often, it’s harder to see, like the fossil fuels burned to transport food from farm to plate. When you add up the resources we consume, the individual and collective impacts are far greater than one could ever imagine.
A large part of our ecological footprint is our carbon footprint, the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) we use. Everyday activities like driving cars, heating and cooling homes, and turning on lights all contribute to a carbon footprint.
You may not think a short 15-minute drive to school or single plate of food has a big impact, but daily actions have consequences that add up. The average American generates 14.95 tons of carbon annually. Compare that to the global average of 4.35 tons. Check out this graphic here. Here’s another resource.
Each country has a different impact on the global ecological footprint based on lifestyles and average power sources, driving time, vehicle size, electricity usage, food consumption, food waste, water usage, air travel, public transportation, size of house, household appliances and much more.
Why does this matter? As CO2 accumulates in the atmosphere, excess heat gets trapped in a process known as the greenhouse effect. When the sun’s energy reaches the Earth’s atmosphere, some is reflected back to space, while the rest is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases. These gases contribute to global warming.
Global warming is on the rise.The past six-years have been the hottest on record and 2020 is expected to meet or surpass those alarming numbers. Our glaciers are melting and oceans are rising. But how can you as one person make a difference to address this massive planetary challenge?
Individuals have more power than you think. The power is quite literally in your hands — to do, to create, to reach out, to commit. No action is too small. By standing up, speaking out and living a life aligned with values, every one of us can positively impact our communities.
THINK
Small changes in daily habits or how we consume may not seem significant in a world of nearly 8 billion people, but every decision contributes to the wellbeing of humans, all species, and the planet we share. What would the world look like if each person simply consumed less and demanded more sustainably-produced goods? What if we supported companies that choose to meet the highest standards for protecting the environment by prioritizing values like organic ingredients, sustainable materials, zero waste practices and other eco and socially-conscious actions, rather than those with practices that harm the planet?
ACTIVITY
First, look at today’s video explaining the ecological footprint.
- Share something you learned from watching in two sentences.
Next, calculate your carbon footprint using this calculator from Global Footprint Network.
- What are your results? How many planets does it take to support your lifestyle?
- What three activities in your life use the most resources?
- Of these activities, which would be the hardest to change and why?
- Which would be the easiest to change and why?
Choose one action you can take today to reduce your carbon footprint This doesn’t have to be big. In fact, the more manageable, the better. Remember: every step counts, and consistency is key for success in creating lasting change).
- Share that one action, along with your results and a link to Global Footprint Network’s calculator on social media. Challenge at least 10 friends to calculate their carbon footprint and to take action to reduce it. Make sure to tag @TurningGreenOrg and include #TGClassroom.
DELIVERABLES
Upload your answers as a PDF document using the upload button. Post on a social media platform (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc.). Tag @turninggreenorg with #TGClassroom.
Submission Guidelines
- If you do not see an upload button, you need to log in
- Submit all entries as PDFs; no Word or Pages documents
- Be sure to include all content for your submission in one document
- Do not include # or spaces in filenames
- You will see a confirmation in green that your submission uploaded correctly; if you do not see this confirmation, please try again
- Send any questions to classroom@turninggreen.org
Don’t forget to post about the challenge and your learnings/doings on social media and tag us on Facebook @TurningGreen, on Twitter @TurningGreenOrg, and on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg and use #TGClassroom.
THINK
In the present moment, our world has been forced to stop in a way that was completely unimaginable just a few months ago. As many people stay home, businesses are closed and industries interrupted, our ecological footprints are changing before our eyes. However, any alleviation of the pressures on and degradation of our environment during this unprecedented period will be wiped out if unsustainable systems and processes resume.The Coronavirus pandemic has brought human impact on ecosystems worldwide to light in a clear way and taught us that massive, rapid change is possible in both policy and behavior. Since we are being forced to rethink how we live in the world, let’s reflect on how we may be able to step away from harmful habits in favor of adopting conscious choices, for today, tomorrow and into a more resilient future that we co-create.
ACTIVITY
We are seeing unprecedented change in our world as a result of the Coronavirus. The news is devastating, as the outbreak sweeps across our globe. Headlines are hard to read and realities difficult to believe, but we have found small moments to breathe while reading stories about how air and water quality have improved, as human activity has all but come to a standstill, though mourn the steep cost to families and society.
- Share three ways that your own life and relationship with the environment now look different
- Go online to look for three examples of how human interactions with the environment have changed
- Find one photo that captures what you are reading about; make sure to vet the image
- Write a caption about how these learnings make you feel. These are hard times and there is no right response.
- Share your photo and caption on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and tag @turninggreenorg with #TGClassroom
DELIVERABLES
Upload your answers and photo with your caption as a PDF document using the upload button. Post on a social media platform of your choice (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc.). Tag @turninggreenorg with #TGClassroom.
Submission Guidelines
- If you do not see an upload button, you need to log in
- Submit all entries as PDFs; no Word or Pages documents
- Be sure to include all content for your submission in one document
- Do not include # or spaces in filenames
- You will see a confirmation in green that your submission uploaded correctly; if you do not see this confirmation, please try again
- Send any questions to classroom@turninggreen.org
Don’t forget to post about the challenge and your learnings/doings on social media and tag us on Facebook @TurningGreen, on Twitter @TurningGreenOrg, and on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg and use #TGClassroom.
THINK
Earth Overshoot Day refers to the date at which time humans have used more resources than what Earth can naturally replenish in the entire calendar year. In 2019, Earth Overshoot Day occurred on July 29 i.e. five months before it “should” occur. In 2018, it was on August 1, meaning we are moving in the wrong direction. In 1970, Earth Overshoot Day fell on December 29, meaning human consumption was far closer to being in line with the actual capacity of our planet. Each year, we, the people, have the opportunity to come together toe #MoveTheDate to ensure the health and wellbeing of people and planet. This challenge will empower you to help that movement!
ACTIVITY
Watch this video and become familiar with Global Footprint Network’s Earth Overshoot Day campaign. Browse the webpage. Choose one of GFN’s steps to help #MoveTheDate and take that step. Answer the following questions:
- Which step did you take?
- What is your plan to follow through with that step?
- Show us evidence of your pledge with a photo or video.
DELIVERABLES
Upload a PDF document telling us which pledge you took using the upload button.
Submission Guidelines
- If you do not see an upload button, you need to log in
- Submit all entries as PDFs; no Word or Pages documents
- Be sure to include all content for your submission in one document
- Do not include # or spaces in filenames
- You will see a confirmation in green that your submission uploaded correctly; if you do not see this confirmation, please try again
- Send any questions to classroom@turninggreen.org
Don’t forget to post about the challenge and your learnings/doings on social media and tag us on Facebook @TurningGreen, on Twitter @TurningGreenOrg, and on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg and use #TGClassroom.