A carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels by a particular person, group, etc. Since the industrial revolution, more CO₂ is being emitted into the mix of heat-trapping gases (greenhouse gases) than can be absorbed by what is known as carbon sinks — places where carbon can be absorbed instead of trapped in the atmosphere. Carbon sinks include trees, the ocean, and soil. Every little action makes a change, and therefore, It is vital to reduce our carbon footprint to reduce the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere. Focus on the positive. Do not use scare tactics (doom and gloom) to encourage behavior change. What children should know:

● Carbon dioxide is put into the atmosphere, mainly when we burn fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), primarily the result of our transportation needs and energy use.

● Industry, agriculture, and tree burning also contribute to CO₂ in the atmosphere.

● Carbon that is not absorbed in sinks (oceans, trees, and soils) stays trapped in the atmosphere making the global temperature warmer.

● Each action we take has a positive or negative impact on the environment, think cause and effect.

● You can change your habits and behavior to reduce the amount of CO₂ you contribute to the atmosphere.

In this activity, children will be assessing the green space or garden area(s) to see if they meet the criteria for certification from the National Wildlife Federation’s Garden for Wildlife™ program.

Wildlife habitat gardens are a haven for local birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Still, as the urban, suburban, and rural landscapes change, it is increasingly important citizens provide wildlife habitats of any size. By gardening for wildlife, not only are you creating a beautiful space and getting to play in the soil, but you are providing critical places for wildlife to thrive. The network of gardens around the country (over 230,000 gardens and over 7 million people), certified habitats, has committed to wildlife. They represent schools, backyards and patios, parks, churches, businesses, and entire communities.