Ecological Footprints Activity

Ecological Footprint Activity

Purpose: to evaluate your ecological footprint, and to use this evaluation to reduce your use of resources.

Background Information: use the following website to gather information about the ecological footprint. http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/ Read the introduction and overview about the Ecological Footprint.

Procedure: Select the US and follow the instructions to determine your ecological footprint. Use the “Enter detailed information” button in your quiz. Use the pie chart to estimate the percentages of your Ecological footprint.

Data: Document the number of Planet Earths needed to provide you with resources. Document the number of global acres needed to provide you with resources

Analysis: Using your background information and what you have learned from this activity, answer the following questions: 1. What does an ecological footprint tell us? 2. What is your ecological footprint value in Planet Earths and global acres? 3. Can you take action to improve your value? Briefly give a few ways to do so. 4. How much can you realistically reduce your ecological footprint value? Are there hindrances for you such as lack of public transportation, etc? 5. Using the information you entered when you reduced your ecological footprint, what are the ways you attempted to reduce this footprint? 6. Why would a vegetarian diet be more ecologically sustainable than one that includes meat? 7. What are 5 additional ways you as an individual can take action to reduce your ecological footprint? Think of simple, everyday actions that are attainable for you personally.

Conclusion: Summarize in 3 or 4 sentences what you have learned from this activity