The Green Footprint of Numbers
Students estimate the paper and trees needed for mathematics textbooks in Croatia, linking responsible consumption with forest protection.
The Green Footprint of Numbers is a research-based mathematics activity for secondary school students that connects mathematical modelling with sustainable development.
Students investigate how much paper is required to produce mathematics textbooks for secondary school students in Croatia. They analyse textbook dimensions, number of pages and mass, and use the collected data to estimate total paper consumption. Based on the number of secondary school students and the estimated amount of paper produced from one mature tree, they calculate the approximate number of trees required.
The original research estimated that approximately 122 tonnes of paper and around 2,075 trees would be needed. Students examine the assumptions and limitations of these estimates and discuss how textbook reuse, recycling and responsible paper consumption can help protect forests.
The activity supports SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 15 – Life on Land.
The Green Footprint of Numbers is a research-based mathematics activity for secondary school students that connects mathematical modelling with sustainable development.
Students investigate how much paper is required to produce mathematics textbooks for secondary school students in Croatia. They analyse textbook dimensions, number of pages and mass, and use the collected data to estimate total paper consumption. Based on the number of secondary school students and the estimated amount of paper produced from one mature tree, they calculate the approximate number of trees required.
The original research estimated that approximately 122 tonnes of paper and around 2,075 trees would be needed. Students examine the assumptions and limitations of these estimates and discuss how textbook reuse, recycling and responsible paper consumption can help protect forests.
The activity supports SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 15 – Life on Land.
