The idea of an environmental handprint is the positive side of the environmental footprint. For example:
Handprint is positive action, commitment, measurement; it also means connecting – joining hands and a symbol of care. Environmental issues have become part of one’s life and so there is a dire need to practice positive sustainable actions from now on. Actions are intentional and so is Handprint. Experiences and actions are very closely linked. Without action competence, one cannot become rich in experiences, which in their turn can help to qualify action competence.
Launched in 2007 by India’s Centre for Environment Education (CEE) at UNESCO’s 4th International Conference on Environmental Education held at Ahmedabad, the Handprint represents the belief that we can make a difference through individual and collective actions to solve the environmental problems. Handprint concept captures the energy which young people saw in themselves and their desire to do things for a better future. Creating anxiety or getting children worried is an inadequate way of presenting the problem, be it related to environment. It should not arrive at a deadlock where children feel helpless to find solutions. It is a symbol of hope making each us believe that every action matters, in fact gather courage, and have commitment.
For more details of this idea click here, and go here for an NAAEE blog on the concept by Pramod Sharma (from which the extracts, above, are taken).