1.2 Ecological footprints

A carbon footprint involves only the global warming effect of an individual's actions. The wider ecological footprint takes into account the use of other finite resources, such as metals, as well as water and food use. The calculator from Best Foot Forward calculates both a carbon footprint and the land area required (in hectares), to give the equivalent number of planets that would be needed if everyone had the same lifestyle.

For more on ecological footprints, look at the following web-based resources:

  • explanation of ecological footprint by Best Foot Forward

  • ecological footprint calculator

  • the ten principles of sustainability developed by Bioregional and WWF under the name One Planet Living.

  • charts showing how many planets are needed to support current global lifestyles, and how many planets based on the average inhabitants of different countries.

Activity 1

Consider your personal response to the question is it right to focus on carbon emissions, or should we look at our relationship with the planet on a wider basis, as espoused by Best Foot Forward and One Planet Living?

1 Explaining carbon and ecological footprints

2 The scope of a carbon footprint