Children Can Help Save the Environment in Many Ways
The topic of environmental issues seems to be everywhere these days, whether it’s on TV, in classrooms, on social media, or at dinner tables. The message is clear, whether it’s the rising sea levels, disappearing species, plastic-choked waters, or raging fires: our planet is in serious trouble, and we must act now.
Let’s face it, there’s a lot of information for children to absorb.
It’s not surprising that children ask big questions today. They hear snippets from scary news reports, and they see adults worrying about the future. How long will it be before the climate changes irreversibly? What can we do to stop pollution from occurring? Polar bears, are they really on the verge of extinction?
Here’s the good news: kids can also be part of the solution. Yes, even kids!
This blog is to inform and inspire families on five powerful, simple actions that kids can do to save the world. The changes might appear small, but they add up when done regularly and by many people.
To celebrate World Environment Day, eco-activists and Aussie nature lover Dirtgirl have shared five simple, hands-on ideas for children to help care for the environment. We’ll explore them all in depth and demonstrate how little hands can make an enormous difference.
1. Help a Seed Grow
In environmental circles, there’s a saying that is often used:
The second-best time is now. The second best time to plant a tree is now .”
Why? Why? They provide oxygen, filter out carbon dioxide, provide shelter and food for millions of animals, and help cool the Earth. One mature tree can absorb as much as 22 kilograms of CO2 per year!
Planting a flower or a small tree can start a lifetime of caring for our planet. This is a tangible act that grows along with the child. The experience is magical and educational, from watching the first green sprout poke through the soil until you see butterflies and birds enjoying its fruits or blooms.
Get started with
- Choose a native plant or tree that is suitable for your garden and climate.
- Try container gardening in a window or balcony if you don’t own a yard.
- Participate in a tree planting day or a community garden.
- Start by planting fast-growing plants such as sunflowers, herbs like basil, mint, or tomatoes.
Planting teaches patience and responsibility to children, as well as connecting them directly with the rhythm of nature. The kids will learn that protecting the environment is best done by nurturing life.
2. Compost Your Food Scraps and Green Waste
Food waste is a major issue for the environment. About one-third of the food produced worldwide is wasted. Not only is food wasted, but also water, energy, and labor. When food rots in landfills, it emits methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.
Composting can be a natural and simple way to reduce the impact. Composting turns food waste and garden waste into soil rich in nutrients, which reduces the amount of trash you throw away and gives back to the Earth.
Children can play an important role in this. Turning food scraps into “garden gold” can be a family activity. It’s fascinating to watch young minds learn about the composting process, whether it is feeding a backyard bin or contributing at a community site.
Composting with children:
- Create a simple bin of compost using a mixture of greens and browns.
- Sort the waste into what can and cannot be composted.
- Use a transparent compost container to observe the decomposition.
- Vermicomposting is a great way to get kids interested in worm farming.
Check what is available in your locality if you do not have the space to compost at home. You may be surprised at the number of schools and community gardens that have compost programs.
3. Use Green Transport
Transport is a major contributor to global carbon emissions. The fossil fuels used by cars, trucks, and airplanes pollute the air and release greenhouse gases. Children can help reduce transportation emissions even if adults rely on their cars to get around or for work.
Families can reduce their carbon footprint by choosing environmentally friendly travel options, such as walking, cycling, scootering, or public transport.
These alternatives are also more fun for children.
Simple green transportation ideas:
- If it’s near enough, you can walk or cycle to school.
- Create a “walking bus” with your neighbors. A group of children will walk together under the supervision of an adult.
- When possible, choose to travel by train or bus instead of a car.
- Reduce the number of cars on the roads by organizing carpools to school or other activities.
If you are in the market to buy a new vehicle, hybrids or electric vehicles may be worth considering. Each little change counts towards a cleaner and greener world. And kids who see alternatives to gas-guzzling cars as they grow up are more likely to adopt sustainable habits when they become adults.
4. “No Thank You” for Single-Use Plastics
The world produces more than 300 million tons of plastic every year. Half of this is intended to be used only once and then thrown away. Straws and plastic bags are not only harmful to wildlife but also pollute oceans.
Saying “no” is an important act of kindness for children.
What children can do:
- Reusable drink bottles, snack bags, and lunch containers are great alternatives to disposable items.
- Take a bag made of cloth for your shopping trips or visits to the park.
- Use metal or bamboo straws in place of plastic ones.
- Wrap your snacks in beeswax instead of cling film
- Get creative with your packaging!
It’s not necessary to say “no” every time you want to make this change. It’s more important to choose better, earth-friendly alternatives. As awareness increases, so will the alternative options. As awareness grows, so do the alternatives.
5. Get Grubby Outside
You might be surprised, but this is arguably the most crucial step.
Children who are passionate about nature will be more inclined to protect it.
Spending time in the outdoors, whether in a park, a forest, or at the beach, will help a child develop a deeper connection with nature. It promotes curiosity, joy, and respect. If a child is dirty while planting flowers, discovers a ladybug in a leaf, or marvels at stars in the night sky, he develops a sense that no classroom lesson could replace.
Dirtgirl says, “Having fun in nature reminds us why we love this planet so much.”
How to connect kids with nature:
- Take a nature walk or go camping as a family.
- Create a nature journal and document the birds, bugs, or flowers you see.
- Play in the mud. Build a bug hotel or create an outdoor habitat.
- Visit wildlife centers, botanical gardens, or nature reserves.
- Encourage screen-free outdoor playtime every day.
Children who fall in love will be inspired to protect the environment, both for themselves and future generations.
Additional Ways to be an Eco-Hero
Here are some more ideas to help you reduce your impact on the environment. These are fun challenges that older children or teens can take on:
- Eat less animal products: Try a “Meatless Monday” or plant-based food a few days a week.
- Reduce water consumption: Turn the tap off while brushing your teeth, collect rainwater to water plants, or take shorter showers.
- Consider switching to green energy. Ask your energy provider for information about the options available.
- Bused: Instead of buying new, buy thrift clothes, toys, or books.
- Reduce the amount of paper you use: Print fewer notes, use digital ones, and recycle more.
Every Little Bit Counts
It’s not about big, grand gestures. It’s about thousands of small actions that add up over time. Kids are particularly good at it because they are quick learners, have a strong sense of responsibility, and are creative and curious by nature.
Teach our children that they do not need to wait to be adults to make a change. They can be eco-heroes today with a little encouragement.
All the little protectors of our planet, happy World Environment Day!
