By Danielle, East Norriton Bulldog Bulletin | Have you ever wondered how much the people on Earth affect this planet? There is something that can help tell us: It’s called carbon footprint.

We know that a footprint is something left behind by someone or an animal walking, but what is a carbon footprint? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases that are generated by our actions.

Mrs. Beidler, a sixth-grade science and social studies teacher, explained that a carbon footprint is something people leave behind through pollution or the effect of just living on Earth.

“So as we are living here on Earth, we sometimes leave behind foot [tracks] or evidence that we were here,” Mrs. Beidler said.

Sixth-grade science teacher Mr. Toner agrees. “A carbon footprint shows how much pollution you’re leaving behind,” he said.

Dr. Dave Garbe, a scientist from the Pennsylvania Association for Biomedical Research, visited East Norriton Middle School and spoke to students about carbon footprints. “I think of it as how much carbon we put out as compared to how much we can consume or save,” he said.

Dr. Garbe gave an example of his carbon footprint. “If I drive a car, I put emissions into the air, so my carbon footprint goes up. It also pertains to recycled products. If I am recycling, it has the potential to lower my carbon footprint,” he said.

How can kids like us lower our carbon footprint?

Mr. Toner said, “Stop littering and we can make a big difference, and that’s something you can do.”

Mrs. Beidler said students can help by reducing the amount of paper we use or reusing items that might otherwise be thrown away.

She also said we could help by using the reusable lunch trays when available instead of cardboard or plastic that just gets thrown away.

Illustration by Liliana, eighth grade, Catholic Partnership Schools, 2023-24.