Living in the Environment 18th Edition by Tyler Miller,Scott Spoolman

Exercise 6

Working with classmates, conduct an ecological footprint analysis of your campus. Work with a partner, or in small groups, to research and investigate an aspect of your school such as recycling or composting; water use; food service practices; energy use; building management and energy conservation; transportation for both on- and off-campus trips; or grounds maintenance. Depending on your school and its location, you may want to add more areas to the investigation. You can also decide to study the campus as a whole, or to break it down into smaller research areas, such as dorms, administrative buildings, classroom buildings, grounds, and other areas.
After deciding on your group's research area, conduct your analysis. As part of your analysis, develop a list of questions that will help to determine the ecological impact related to your chosen topic. For example, with regard to water use, you might ask how much water is used, what is the estimated amount that is wasted through leaking pipes and faucets, and what is the average monthly water bill for the school, among other questions. Use such questions as a basis for your research.