You may have heard of the "ecological footprint", a term that describes the extent to which our lifestyle impacts the environment. But for some time now, we've also been hearing more and more about a "handprint". But what exactly does this mean and how does it differ from the footprint?

The ecological footprint is a measure of how much of the Earth's surface area is needed to provide the resources we consume and absorb the waste we produce. The footprint therefore shows us the extent to which our consumption, our energy consumption and our lifestyle impact on the environment. A large footprint means that we use a lot of resources and produce a large amount of waste. The more we consume, the larger our footprint becomes. The term serves to make us aware of how our lifestyle affects the environment and how much of the planet's surface we take up for our lifestyle.

But what is the handprint ?

The handprint is a concept that describes the positive impact we can have on the world. While the footprint highlights the negative consequences of our actions, the handprint is about how we can actively and consciously contribute to protecting and preserving the planet. The handprint stands for the positive steps we take - be it through our commitment to climate action, sustainable consumer behavior or social engagement. Instead of just looking at how much damage we cause, it is about how we can do good and bring about change through our actions.

The difference between a handprint and a footprint

The big difference between the handprint and the footprint is therefore the focus: the footprint looks at how we pollute the environment, whereas the handprint looks at how we actively protect it. The footprint is an indicator of the consumption of natural resources and the impact of our lifestyle on the planet. The handprint, on the other hand, challenges us to find solutions and initiate positive changes.

Why is it important to deal with both concepts?

By looking at both our footprint and our handprint, we get a complete picture of our impact on the world. The footprint makes us aware of where we can still improve a lot, while the handprint shows us that each and every one of us is capable of making a positive difference.

After all, it's not just about reducing our negative impact, but also about actively creating positive change. Every step we take towards a more sustainable lifestyle increases our handprint and helps to preserve the world for future generations.