PrimaryGeography

How to reduce carbon footprint – Simple ideas for kids

What's included?

Two-page PDF

Key Stage

KS2

Age

Years 3-6

Subjects

This PDF from Wicked Weather Watch explains to children what a carbon footprint is and how to reduce your carbon footprint. There are lots of ideas for children to try both at school and at home.

We can all play our part in fighting climate change, working together and being more aware of how our actions affect the amazing world we live in. If we each take small steps it will make a big difference.

What is a carbon footprint?

Unlike your footprints in wet sand, your carbon footprint can’t be seen. However, we all leave a carbon footprint, which impacts our planet, leaving a mark, just like our footprints in wet sand.

When we talk about our ‘carbon footprint’ we mean the amount of carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas also known as CO2) we release into the air because of our own energy needs.

For example, every time we use energy that comes from fossil fuels – such as coal, oil and natural gas – to heat our homes, drive a car, journey by plane on holiday or eat food that was grown overseas, we create carbon dioxide and make our carbon footprint bigger.

Most scientists believe that greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide are one of the biggest causes of global warming and climate change.

How to reduce yours

  • Turn off lights, TVs, computers and other electronic gadgets
  • Use both sides of a piece of paper when writing, drawing or colouring
  • Wear a jumper and turn down the heating when it’s cold
  • Grow fruits and vegetables at home or at school
  • Walk, ride your bike or scoot instead of taking a car
  • Set up a green team at school, with a representative from each class
  • Consider installing solar panels at school to reduce energy use
  • Reduce, reuse and recycle
  • Plant a tree

Wicked Weather Watch is a charity that aims to provide clarity for children and young people about climate change and global warming. Follow on Twitter at @WickedWeather1. Browse more climate change teaching resources.

How to reduce carbon footprint download
DOWNLOAD A FREE RESOURCE!
How to reduce carbon footprint – Simple ideas for kids
PrimaryGeography

You'll also receive regular updates from Teachwire with free lesson plans, great new teaching ideas, offers, and more. (You can unsubscribe at any time.)

Which sectors are you interested in?




By signing up you agree to our Terms & Conditions and privacy policy

Explore teaching packs

Pie Corbett Ultimate KS2 Fiction Collection
Pie Corbett Ultimate KS2 Fiction Collection
Fire up KS2 pupils' imagination with this collection of 20+ fictional stories, written by literacy expert Pie Corbett. Each ... more
21 x resources
Pie Corbett KS2 Non-Fiction Collection
Use Pie Corbett’s non-fiction texts to inspire your KS2 pupils to get writing. Each resource contains an original text in ... more
7 x resources
Pie Corbett KS2 Poetry Collection
Inspire KS2 pupils to be creative and express themselves with this pack of Pie Corbett poetry. Each of these Pie Corbett Tal... more
7 x resources
WAGOLL classroom resources
WAGOLL Packs from Real Authors
Peer inside the mind of award-winning children's authors and help pupils understand how to create engaging characters, capti... more
13 x resources
Art KS2 inspiring medium term plans
Art KS2 Inspiring Medium Term Plans
Get pupils' creative juices flowing with these expert medium-term art plans for KS2. Each resource consists of a full half-t... more
6 x resources
Magical Harry Potter Teaching Ideas
Magical Harry Potter Teaching Ideas
Spark pupils' imaginations with these inventive and exciting teaching ideas, all themed around the wonderful world of Harry ... more
11 x resources