Ecological Footprint: children perception in nature walks

Abstract

This article aims to show the susceptibility of children when confronted with the footprints we leave on the planet. The study which subsidizes this paper is based on the Ecological Footprint and practical experiences during hikes or nature walks with children ranging from 9 to 10 years of age (4th and 5th grade elementary school students) in Guaratuba, state of Paraná, Brazil. The Ecological Footprint was designed to help us perceive the extent to which we use natural resources to support our lifestyles. The previously validated Ecological Footprint questionnaire was applied to detect perception of these children in relation to the footprints we leave wherever we pass. The children were assessed according to a score obtained from the sum of each of their answers to questions on issues that were considered relevant to calculate the Ecological Footprint: power at home, power at school, food at home, food at school, water, consumption, transportation and selective collection of solid waste. The final score showed a significantly high Ecological Footprint value, which reveals unbridled consumption and certain aspects of the style of living of these children. Above all, however, this study showed their affective and evaluative perception of the environment. This result emphasizes the importance of environmental education activities to create awareness in children regarding preservation of the environment and the planet.