Let’s learn about our Eco Footprint…
- Everything we use comes from and is returned to the Earth.
- We only have one Earth, and on that Earth there is only so much productive land/water that produces forests, cropland, energy, forests, and is nice enough for people to live in.
- So the Earth has limits. We can measure how fast we consume resources and produce waste and compare it to how fast nature can absorb our waste and generate new resources
- This calculation is our Ecological Footprint – or Eco Footprint.
- Everyone’s footprint is different – it can be big or small depending on where you live and your lifestyle.
Activity
Choose one of the engaging activities below to take action:
- What’s in my footprint? Look at this poster, using these categories go on a scavenger hunt of your home and backyard to find evidence you use each of them.
- Calculate your Eco Footprint: Take a fun interactive quiz and calculate your family’s actual eco footprint here!
- Family for the Future: Make a family list of ways that together, you can reduce your energy consumption. Stick it somewhere where you see it every day and try to follow it.
Journaling prompts
Choose one of the topics below to write about:
- Which one of the five categories is the most important to you? Why?
- Which of the five eco-footprint categories do you think you use most each day? Think about food, the things you use, the clothes you wear…
- Do you think Canada has a big eco-footprint? Why? Can you find out how big it is and compare it to another country that you can think of? Maybe somewhere you might have been on vacation? Or a place where you might have family living?
Videos
Check out some of our favourite Eco Footprint videos:
Extras
- Book – The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth By Rachel Ignotofsky
- Book – Common Ground: The Water, Earth, and Air We Share By Molly Bang
- Book – The Biggest Footprint: Eight Billion Humans One Clumsy Giant by Rob & Tom Sears
- Movie – Fly Away Home (PG) – This sensitive film reinforces the idea that individuals, especially young people can make an environmental difference
Related Podcast
Programs in the RDCK
If you live in the Regional District of the Central Kootenay, check out these links:
- Regional Energy Efficiency Program– Reduce your energy footprint in your home
- Backyard Composting– Reduce your waste footprint by composting
- Recycle– What can I recycle in my community?
- Water Smart Program– Get smart about water in your home
- Eat Local Food– Support local farmers and reduce your ecofootprint
Kahoot
Come play a Kahoot with us…
