World Environment Day is being marked around the world today. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and held annually since 1973, this is the biggest international day for the environment.
This year’s theme focuses on land restoration, stopping desertification and building drought resilience. Every little step helps in the fight against climate change which is mostly to blame for desertification and the resulting aridity.
Thus it is important to teach children to learn about how they can contribute to the well-being of the environment, and subsequently, their own well-being, by adopting sustainable practices from an early age.
Here are some eco-friendly habits parents can introduce to their children:
Adopting the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle): Raising awareness about the importance of reducing waste, including anything from plastic and paper to food to water, goes a long-way to instilling sustainable practices. This could be followed by encouraging them to reuse refillable water bottles or donating clothes that no longer fit them and helping them recycling things for art and craft projects, for example. One could also go a step further and show them how to upcycle materials, for example by repurposing old toys. By upcycling, you would be reusing an item in such a way as to increase its value.
Using energy efficiently: Limiting water use and switching off extra lights are good practices to show children the importance of conserving energy, besides reducing utility bills!
Walking, cycling or using public transport: Parents lead by example, and by walking to the shops or to the church or school instead of using the car if possible, would help their children realise that they do not need to drive around all the time in future, besides it being a good form of exercise. Cycling or using public transport to destinations further away would inculcate in young children the idea that it’s normal to do so and thus help reduce pollution.
Spending time in nature: Help children appreciate the beauty of nature by taking them out as much as possible to the countryside or by the sea. Teach them about the plants and little creatures that populate the natural habitat. This might inspire them to do their best to help preserve nature for themselves and future generations.
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