ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT: THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Abstract

This study addresses the analysis of the ecological footprint of students from the state public school network in Salgueiro-PE, based on the collective responsibility for environmental preservation as established by the Federal Constitution, and highlights the role of environmental education as an essential tool to form conscious citizens engaged in sustainable practices. The research, conducted in seven urban schools with a quantitative-qualitative approach, investigated daily habits related to consumption and sustainability, such as proper waste separation, use of second-hand clothes, meat consumption, shower duration, energy saving, participation in environmental actions, and transportation modes used to get to school. The results show progress in simple practices like turning off lights and reducing water waste but point to significant challenges in reducing meat consumption and engaging students in environmental movements, reflecting the contradiction between the logic of capitalist consumerism and sustainability principles. The article emphasizes that small behavioral changes, when adopted collectively, can significantly contribute to reducing both individual and collective ecological footprints, promoting the preservation of natural resources and combating climate change. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of sustainability indicators as tools to monitor environmental and social performance, stressing the need for public policies aligned with environmental education and the promotion of a less materialistic culture. Finally, the study concludes that sustainable development depends on a combination of awareness, habit changes, active participation of the school community, and the implementation of effective public policies, aiming to ensure a balanced future for the coming generations.