- Views: 15
- Report Article
- Articles
- News & Society
- Environmental
5 Things We Must Do to Inspire the about Sustainability and the Environment
Posted: Dec 20, 2019
There’s no doubt that our planet is in a time of crisis; with the polar caps melting and global carbon emissions hitting a new all-time high. This brings us to the fact that informing and ingraining the importance of sustainability and conservation in the subsequent generations is vital in order to develop an interest in the environment. Whether it’s in the classroom, outdoors, or at home, shedding light on these impending matters will help youth become more involved in and understand issues related to sustainability and the environment.
The aim is to inspire the youth so they wish to become future educators, activists, and inventors who can apply their learning in the real world. Those individuals, who aspire to create an environment for their children that inspire them to take initiatives on behalf of climate change, can give this article a read.
Lead by Example
It’s true that children copy the actions of adults and this can be the perfect way to get them to take-up deeds that teach them to be more responsible about their environment. Show children the ways in which you try to benefit the environment. This could be through managing your food consumption, controlling the amount of waste produced in your household or limiting energy consumption. When children see their parents recycle, discarding waste properly or even planting a tree; those actions become a part of their daily routines until they become adults themselves. Moreover, let them know about the impact of their responsible actions and how it benefits the planet so they’re aware of their influence.
For instance, people who wish to reduce their carbon footprint can look for eco-friendly house and carpet cleaning services offered by professional cleaners. Just do a simple google search for environment-friendly carpet cleaning London and you can select the most reputable options for your household.
On the other hand, people who use an excess of electrical appliances in their household and don’t switch them off after use will naturally have kids that grow up to be careless about the same things. Therefore, fostering an environment that practices sustainability and conservations leads to a healthier lifestyle and planet.
Introduce Environmental Study Programs in Schools and Colleges
The right place to emphasize on sustainability and environment education should take place in grade school as to cement the importance of being environmentally-friendly. This way students gain exposure to environmental issues, climate change, and the greenhouse effect at an early stage so they’re better equipped to deal with the environmental challenges we face on the daily.
Schools and institutes can take measures to introduce programs that educate children on options to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental education promotes a sense of unity amongst children and community experts to help address environmental issues affecting their neighborhood. In addition, faculties can organize community clean-ups and tree-planting programs for local youth to gain hands-on experience in volunteer work and gain extra credit as well. This means that through field trips and volunteer work teens are more actively connected to nature which limits the amount of time they spend glued to their phones, computers and other devices. Not only does this introduce physical activity within their routines but nurtures a genuine soft-spot for their planet.
Let Them Ask Questions and Participate In Discussions
Parents should cultivate an environment where children are free to ask questions and share their input to build a deeper understanding of our world. Asking questions is the first step to sparking an interest in kids and educating them about impending environmental issues. By allowing them to take charge of conversations, we’re giving them the opportunity to become environmental stewards for future generations.
Support Their Voice and Activism
If our youth chooses to advocate for a better and safer world, then it’s our duty to show support and provide them the tools to get them heard. Younger generations have equal rights to interact and connect with nature to showcase their leadership abilities and use their voice to ensure a healthy, sustainable environment. Society can benefit from our youth’s determination and innate capacity for innovative thinking to drive renewable and sustainable alternatives to help the environment. However, due to the lack of funding and reinforcement, they’re unable to arrive to action. In fact, governments should bolster support for such initiatives to prove that their voices are being heard and appreciated. If there is no recognition of their efforts then the connection between the youth and nature might be deterred for the foreseeable future. It’s time to show youth that they hold an equal position to partake in environmental decision-making and their input is valuable to initiate change.
Allow Them to Be Children
We are aware of the on-going climate crisis, but that does not mean we pressure the youth into rectifying the mistakes of our forefathers. It’s imperative to inform and educate them about the impending climate changes happening on our planet but instilling constant fear within them is not the solution to this calamity. Instead, encourage your children and students to be proactive and optimistic about the ways they approach environmental issues and sustainability.
School systems and other institutes should introduce fun and creative ways to get children to care and look after the environment from a young age. Linking environmental and experiential education offers children the opportunity to develop skills that allow them to appreciate their planet and actively work to protect it.
Wrapping Up
Involving and educating youth in sustainability not only enlightens tomorrow’s leaders and educators, but it also empowers them to spread their knowledge and build a better world for future generations. The young possess the power to make the impossible possible through their innovative thinking and resilience to arrive at a solution.
The bottom line is that we are past the line to rely on disjointed efforts and lethargic government action, so practicing sustainable and energy-efficient practices at an early stage can help minimize the carbon footprint of individuals.
Shawn mike provides ghostwriting and copywriting services. He occasionally writes articles for Dynamologic Solutions.