footprint
FOOT-print
/ˈfʊtprɪnt/
The impact that a particular person, company, or activity has on the environment.
While it literally means a mark left by a foot, in this context, it is a metaphor for the total amount of resources used and waste produced.
The story behind the word. The metaphorical use for environmental impact (the 'Ecological Footprint') was developed in the early 1990s by William Rees and Mathis Wackernagel. It was designed to make the abstract idea of 'resource consumption' easy for the public to visualize.
Word relationships
- impact: A broader term for any effect or influence.
Commonly confused with
- handprint: In some sustainability circles, 'handprint' is used to describe the positive changes you make, while 'footprint' is the negative impact.
Collocations
- carbon footprint
- ecological footprint
- environmental footprint
- reduce your footprint
Example sentences
- "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints." A common environmental slogan. (Motto of the Sierra Club)
- "By choosing to travel by train instead of plane, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint." Discussing carbon emissions.
Memory hook
Imagine walking on a beach; the deeper your 'Footprint,' the more weight you are carrying (the more resources you are using). Footprint = Your mark on the world.
When not to use
In technology, 'footprint' refers to the physical space a device takes up. Be sure the context is environmental.
Fun facts
- The average carbon footprint for a person in the United States is about 16 tons per year, one of the highest in the world.
Related words
Explore more words
Carbon Footprint, impact, imprint, Anthropogenic, emission, externality
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