Photo by JESSICA TICOZZELLI
The world suffers from grave consequences of past decisions, and people can only be hopeful for the future. Raising environmentally conscious children may not be a cure-all, but it’s a significant step toward positive progress.
It’s 90 seconds before midnight. This is the closest time to midnight shown by the Doomsday clock, symbolizing that the world may suffer from a global catastrophic downfall sooner than expected.
If it hasn’t been apparent, the world is struggling. The news is constantly bombarded with critical problems between economic challenges and military conflicts. There’s too much going on that the decision on what deserves the most attention becomes overwhelming. But if one warrants more urgency, it’s the issue with the direct impact and consequences suffered by the masses.
Environmental Crisis
This problem encompasses most of the more minor issues suffered by the world. Humans are constantly at risk of new challenges because of this crisis. As global citizens, people can decrease its adverse effects through behavioral and lifestyle changes. But these initiatives won’t reverse past decisions that have contributed significantly to the climate crisis. Hence, instead of wallowing in remorse and guilt, people must create opportunities for a better tomorrow.
The past can’t be changed. But the future is still unknown and open to limitless possibilities.
Oh, if only there were a certain vessel of hope for the future.
Children and the Future
Children are the hope of the future. Agreeably, they have more time to make a difference compared to adults. Thus, whatever happens to the world will depend on how the youth are raised and what values are instilled in them. While this doesn’t pass all culpability to them nor make society more lenient in seeking liability from the adults, it does pass more responsibility for the adults to treat children properly. As a determined anchor to a better future, children encourage adults to ensure they’re taught and educated toward building one.
And amidst all the current global problems, one value children should learn to be environmentally conscious and friendly. These big words might be at risk of getting associated with even bigger responsibilities. But as these are children, it’s best to start small, gradually easing them toward what it truly means to be environmentally conscious or eco-friendly.
Raising Environmentally Conscious Children
From turning lights off when leaving rooms to turning the faucet and saving water, being earth friendly doesn’t always have to be complicated. In fact, these mundane and simple tasks are the key to making sustainable changes. Hence, the smallest lifestyle or behavioral changes are always welcomed when encouraging eco-friendly behavior.
Here are some examples:
Encourage Learning About Plants
Domesticated animals are the least at risk of being endangered. People value them closely and dearly. Hence, they’re the most protected. Such circumstances may also apply to plants. If children are allowed to learn more about the different beautiful species, this might encourage them to be kinder to mother nature in hopes their actions will protect their favorite plant.
Adults can persuade them through different books, from the simplest children’s books to the complex Pennsylvanian book about Fossil Plants. Letting children know other plant names and kinds will cultivate an intimate connection between them and the environment.
Inspire Them to Love the Outdoors
In today’s society, children are often stuck indoors with their gadgets in their faces. They aren’t allowed enough opportunity to play outside and bask in nature’s beauty, not allowing them to appreciate nature and what it would be like when everything’s damaged. Instead of caging them in, let children out and have them enjoy the outdoors. Let them go for walks, run around the park, or climb trees. The closer children are to nature, the better they will care for their surroundings.
Advocate for the Reduction of Waste
Pollution is one of the primary contributors to this environmental crisis. As simple as carelessly chucking used bottles or even not finishing the food on the table already play a significant-enough part in damaging the environment. This is a crucial detail children should be mindful of. If they’re taught about waste reduction and the proper etiquette toward handling waste, imagine how much landfill space will be cleared out in the future.
- Helping Kids Understand Big Ideas Through Stories - January 21, 2025
- Running with Purpose: How Life and Marathon Are Alike - January 3, 2025
- Faith In Times Of Despair: Finding Jesus When Hope Is Futile - December 12, 2024