From air pollution to global warming, environmental problems are a global issue. Children who are concerned about the environment can take action. While it may seem that small changes, such as bringing their school lunch in a reusable container rather than a brown paper bag, won't make much of an effect, when many kids make small changes, the difference can be huge.
From air pollution to global warming, environmental problems are a global issue. Children who are concerned about the environment can take action. While it may seem that small changes, such as bringing their school lunch in a reusable container rather than a brown paper bag, won't make much of an effect, when many kids make small changes, the difference can be huge.
At School
Kids can take practical steps to conserve resources and help the environment at school. Packing their school lunch or sports drinks in reusable containers rather than taking a juice box, bottled water or canned beverage can reduce waste. Children who wish to contribute to an environmental cause can suggest fundraising ideas to their teachers. One kindergarten class at a Massachusetts school held a bake sale to raise money for the rain forest, according to PBSKids.org.
At Home
Children can be proactive in helping the environment at home. Children can recycle their arts and crafts paper by reusing it for other projects or by coloring or drawing on both sides. They can also reuse household items like toilet paper and paper towel tubes for craft projects. Instead of drinking out of disposable paper cups, children can request a plastic, reusable personalized kid's cup for a birthday or holiday gift and commit to washing and drying it by hand. Instead of playing video games or watching cartoons, children can choose to play outside or play board games in natural lighting.
In the Community
Children can react and respond to environmental issues around them. Children concerned about their environment can get involved with environmental groups that are geared towards children. Earth Rangers, an organization designed to empower children to protect wildlife, is one such organization. Children can also take part in clean-up days in the places they frequent, like the children's museum or library. Children can also talk to their peers about environmental issues and share ways they can decrease their carbon footprints. For example when getting together to play, environmentally conscious children can suggest alternative things to do, like kicking a ball around in the back yard, if the friends suggest playing computer games.
