ways to protect the environment for kids
Climate change is an issue that will touch everyone on this planet, but rising temperatures, reduced air quality, extreme weather and other impacts will, without a doubt, impact kids throughout their lives. And while it shouldn’t be up to them to solve a problem that they’ve inherited, they deserve to have a voice and play a part in our global efforts to curb climate change.
Studies show that talking and thinking about climate change makes kids feel stressed and anxious. And that’s completely understandable: it’s a huge issue and it’s not going away on its own. But as adults, it’s our job to reframe the issue and empower them to take climate action. Whether they choose to focus on fossil fuels and the greenhouse gases that burning them releases into the atmosphere, lowering their family or school’s carbon footprint, dreaming up solutions to build a more sustainable future, or creating an art project that raises awareness in the community, kids can use their unique talents and interests to help the environment!
Here Are 7 Ways you can Inspire Kids To Help the Environment
1. Give them hope
While it’s important to give kids an age-appropriate understanding of the world and issues that affect them, this should be balanced with inspiration. Research shows that when it comes to taking action for the environment, people are typically empowered by more positive and solutions-based framing, than by doom and gloom. And kids are no exception to this. When they hear stories about what other kids are doing, like fundraising to plant trees, lobbying for local plastic bag bans or starting recycling programs in their schools, they’re motivated and excited to start initiatives of their own!
2. Empower and uplift them
Kids have huge hearts for the environment, but they don’t always have access to the resources they need to take action. Whether they want to start a petition or letter writing campaign, clean up litter or organize a protest for an environmental cause they care about, there are plenty of ways you can give them a helping hand. Whether it’s working with them to craft a powerful message, organizing and helping them gather materials for a safe and successful cleanup event, or harnessing their creativity to make protest signs, your assistance can springboard their ideas into action!
3. Teach them about the environment
Our school T.R.E.E.S. Program is designed to empower teachers and homeschoolers to educate their classrooms and families about the environment. Filled with fun activities and in-depth lesson plans that range from forest fire recovery to biodiversity and why trees are important, it lays a solid foundation for any budding environmentalist. And while nobody needs to be an expert to make a difference for our planet, having a deeper understanding of nature and the threats it faces helps inform and inspire a lifetime of positive action.