Introduction
The Earth seems like a large place, will we ever have too many people for Earth to produce the things we need to survive? How about the plants & animals that live here?
Is there enough for all of us?
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Task
DO you have an Apple in your lunch today?
Have you ever wonder what kind of energy or resources were needed to produce the apple? Was the apple grown locally, shipped in a refrigerated truck across the country, or arrive by plane to your
grocery store before ending up in your lunch?
A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment.
- Your first task is to understand the size of your personal carbon footprint and to identify how you can start reducing the impact of your
personal actions and choices. - Next, you will be asked to explore the issues in more detail by performing online research regarding climate change, the environment, and sustainability.
- Lastly, you will produce a thoughtful reflection relating to what you have learned about our planet and it’s sustainability for the next generation.
Process
There are Three Phases in this process
PHASE 1: Can I make a difference?
YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
Sometimes we think the world is too large for one person to make a difference. What are the problems facing the environment and how can we be a part of the solution?
Step 1: PROBLEMS
By yourself, work through the following video resources, identify 2 environmental problems facing society and record them on your Phase 1 worksheet.
1. Please view these two videos which were created by National Geographic. Global Warming 101 (3:03 min) and A Way Forward: Facing Climate Change (7:43 min).
2. In 2006, CBC's The Hour host George Stroumboulopoulos inteviews environmentalist David Suzuki. (YouTube 10:17 min) Although this video is several years old, it will provide a Canadian perspective.
Step 2: SOLUTIONS
On your own work through the following resources, record 4 decisions/actions you can do to make a positive impact on the environment.
1. Read about carbon footPrint reduction.
2. View David Suzuki’s Wake Up Call video(YouTube 1:50 min).
3. View Tips for saving energy(YouTube 1:44 min)
STEP 3: CALCULATE YOUR IMPACT
Next, on your own, go to the EcoGuru.org website
choose the United States and then press "Calculate your footprint". Read each question and choose the best answer. Remember to record your answers on the worksheet.
Then record your RESULTS and click CONTINUE and draw the graph that appears with your results.
Next press "Green your lifestyle"
Here you have an opportunity to chang your "carbon footprint"
Click through each category and check each item you think you can do and then "add it to your to do list!" See how many leaves you can accumulate. Remember to record your answers on the worksheet. What is your title? Are you a beginner...an apprentice?
PHASE 2: Environment & Sustainability Research
This will involve 2 classes of real-time on your part)s of real-time on your part
Record your answers on the worksheet.