Our greatest investments are those which benefit generations to come – this includes environmental sustainability. It is critical to the future of our planet and all those who inhabit it. With that said, teaching children about environmental sustainability is an important factor in ensuring they understand and recognize the impact human beings have on the environment.
There are many benefits to teaching children about sustainability. ChildRoots.com notes that practicing sustainability in the classroom can increase interest in environmental education, positively impact a student’s well-being – such as the promotion of healthier lifestyles – and improve critical thinking skills. It can also inspire children to become engaged in their communities at a younger age, promoting good values, comradery, and an appreciation of the environment around them. They will take the skills they learn from young and continue to apply it as the grow older, rather than play catch-up on being more sustainable like many adults today.
How can we incorporate sustainability in our children’s lives and lead them down a greener path?
#1. Proper education.
School provides an environment for children to learn – there is no better place to encourage a conversation about sustainability. According to Rubicon, “Environmental education promotes critical and creative thinking skills and inspires kids to become more engaged with their communities. It helps kids understand why the environment is important and provides them with the building blocks they need to live eco-friendly and sustainable lives.” It’s never too early to start learning about important topics such as climate change, environmental conservation, and other major topics related to sustainability. In fact, the earlier children learn, the more inclined they will be to make sustainable choices on their own.
#2: Direct participation.
Participation in projects, field trips, on-site meetings, and other gatherings is a great way for children to get first-hand experience and knowledge of how they can be more sustainable. Many town-affiliated organizations and buildings, such as libraries, public gardens, and schools, hold events for children to do so. Be sure to check your town website to find out more about these activities. Some events can include:
• Library reading hours with books about sustainability
• Group planting sessions
• Arts and crafts related to sustainability
• Group clean-ups on beaches, in parks, and more
EFL Global, a logistics and supply chain organization committed to consciousness both inside and outside of the workplace, created a program called “Next Gen” to provide opportunities for children to participate in sustainability-related activities. The Next Gen initiative was launched under EFL’s Global Goodness brand to encourage children to appreciate their surroundings and address critical environmental issues.
For example, the first project under Next Gen was organized with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. EFL Global carried out an awareness session on protecting, conserving, and rehabilitating marine turtle habitats at a turtle conversation center in southern Sri Lanka. A group of our employees and their children attended this session.
#3: Continue the conversation at home.
In elementary education, many students learn the importance of not being wasteful. Some examples were to not leave the water running while brushing your teeth, or learning what recycling is. However, it’s important that guardians take these lessons and implement them in the home to ensure their children have a deep understanding of how being wasteful impacts the environment. Guardians can and should have regular conversations about how to be more conscious around the home and in their communities. They can also buy children’s books related to sustainability, which simplifies the conversation.
One of the Values & Discipline of EFL Global is Conscious – noted by Founder & President Hanif Yusoof, “Our business strategy is to seek benefit for both human beings and the environment. We will create a difference – even in a small way – in being a socially conscious and responsible company.” Through this value, we encourage employees to engage at home and at work in conscious behaviors, which then in turn inspire their families to do the same. Remember: children learn by copying you, so set a good example!
“Under our umbrella initiative Global Goodness, we introduced EFL Next Gen, catering to educating the future generations. This includes the children of our employees and all children we associate with throughout our sustainability initiatives on the effects of climate change and why it is important for all of us to be conscious,” says Sanjana Ravi, Global Lead – Sustainability at EFL Global. “Why did we specifically target children? Because we truly believe that our children – the next generation – are future leaders who will be involved in making important decisions in whatever sphere or industry and it is equally important for them to be equipped with knowledge on how to make effective decisions that do not lead to detrimental effects of our planet. Nurturing children with an environmentally conscious mindset from a young age will lead to them taking responsibility for their actions and eventually lead to a healthier planet. There is no ‘Planet B,’ so we must act now!”
By incorporating sustainable behaviors in our personal and professional lives, encouraging sustainable projects and activities, and continuing the conversation, our children will be prepared with the knowledge and tools they need to heal our planet. One is never too young to learn about how they can contribute to a better world, and it’s time for us to set the example.
