Clean Up Australia - My Environmental Footprint

Comprehension

Reading Passage

Today, we're diving into the concept of an "environmental footprint"! Imagine walking on a sandy beach. Your foot leaves an imprint, right? Similarly, our lifestyle leaves a mark on the planet. This "footprint" shows how much of Earth’s resources we use. For example, the average Australian's footprint is quite big—imagine needing three Earths if everyone lived like that! What's inside this footprint? Well, it’s all about how we use energy (like powering devices), water (from showers to garden hoses), and waste (think of all the stuff you throw away). The more we use, the bigger the footprint. But don’t worry! We’re going to explore ways to make it smaller by using less electricity, saving water, and creating less waste. This means balancing what we want with what we actually need—a smart step toward a healthier planet! Let's learn how even small changes can make a big difference!

Comprehension Questions

  1. What is an environmental footprint?
  2. Why would having a larger environmental footprint be a problem?
  3. List two ways you can reduce your environmental footprint in daily life.

Reflection Question

Reflect on your daily activities. What is one change you can make to reduce your environmental footprint and why do you think it’s important?