Definition of Ecological Footprint

An ecological footprint is an action of the human impact on the Earth’s ecosystems,

quantifying the account of resources consumed by an individual, community, or population
and the waste that they cause, indicating in terms of the area of land and water needed to
sustain those activities and hold the waste produced. It measures the overall pressure
exerted on nature and helps understand the sustainability of the human lifestyle in relation to
the planet’s capacity to regenerate resources and absorb waste.

In our words, the ecological footprint is a way to measure how much our daily activities
impact the environment. It takes into account things like our energy use, transportation, food
consumption, and waste production.

Tips "How can you reduce your ecological footprint?"

Choosing Sustainable and Locally Sourced Food

Sustainable farming methods reduce chemical use, promote soil health, and support
biodiversity, minimizing ecological impact. Buying locally sourced produce supports local
farmers, reduces food miles, and fosters resilient, sustainable agricultural practices.

Using public transportation or carpooling

Opting for public transportation, riding bikes, walking, or carpooling reduces the number of
vehicles on the road, lowering harmful emissions and overall pollution, minimizing fossil fuel
consumption, and promoting greener commuting practices.

Reducing Water Usage

We can reduce water usage by fixing leaks promptly, installing low-flow fixtures, and utilizing
rainwater harvesting, among others.

Minimizing Waste and recycling

Reducing single-use items by choosing reusable products over disposable ones minimizes
waste generation and decreases the ecological burden on the environment. Practicing
proper recycling contributes to resource conservation and reduces the amount of waste that
ends up in landfills. Adopting composting practices diverts material from landfills and
reduces greenhouse gas emissions, promoting a circular economy.

Plant trees and support reforestation efforts

Reforestation helps restore degraded ecosystems, enhances biodiversity, and mitigates the
impacts of deforestation and habitat loss. Tree planting contributes to carbon sequestration,
aiding in the reduction of greenhouse gasses and combating climate change.

Choosing dine-in instead of eat out

Cooking meals at home generally requires less energy than eating out or relying on
processed and packaged foods. Home-cooked meals often use less energy for
transportation, refrigeration, and cooking, which can reduce your carbon footprint.

Work done by: Carolina nº2, Gabryela nº3, Leonor nº5, Manuel nº 6, Sara Silva nº11