Global Learning Initiative: Environmental Impact

 Identify the resources, processes, and impacts embodied in everyday activities  Describe the interconnectedness of population, lifestyle, economics, and environmental issues  Discuss, create, and implement ways to reduce our Ecological Footprints

 What are the environmental, economic, and social impacts of a typical U.S. diet and lifestyle?  What would be the consequences if the rest of the world adapted a U.S. lifestyle?  What can we do to reduce impacts associated with resource consumption?

 Sides Debate:  “There are enough resources to meet the needs of everyone on the planet.”  “The U.S. gives more to the world, and therefore can take more from the world.”

 Turn to your elbow partner  discuss what are the components of an ecological footprint  Write down your definition of an ecological footprint  You have 5 minutes

 With your elbow partner:  Match the definitions with the vocabulary words that describe the components of an Ecological Footprint  How much time do think you will need?  5 minutes?

With your specific group: brainstorm and map all of the resources, processes, and impacts associated with 1 component of your Ecological Footprint. Examples:  My favorite meal,  How I traveled here today (mode of transport),  favorite object (a toy, sports equipment, etc.),  item: My Favorite piece of of clothing

Meal

 There are a few steps between the cow and the burger itself.  What are they?