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In these
days of energy shortages and heightened awareness of scarce resources,
it’s good to help young people see how to be good environmental
citizens.
Parents can help by modeling environmentally responsible behavior: they
can turn off lights and appliances when not in use, and recycle newspapers,
glass, and cans whenever possible.
Parents can also buy eco-friendly products and let children know why.
Have discussions about the differences and why they are important.
Parents can reduce consumption of goods by refraining from buying items
in excess. They can share with friends and neighbors whenever possible.
If you borrow an item, offer to trade a service like childcare, typing,
preparing a meal, or pet care, in return.
You can also organize an eco-cleanup of a stream, beach, park, or playground
on a regular basis, and involve the entire family in helping. Children
love these kinds of activities and they are wonderful examples of how
individuals can make a big difference with a little focused effort.
It’s also helpful to encourage recycling, collection drives, and
education about the environment at work, school, houses of worship,
and at neighborhood parks and playgrounds. Children should see that
these efforts can affect all aspects of living. It is not an isolated
effort.
You can also volunteer to help a group at your child’s school —
or organize one — to beautify the grounds. Your concern will be
contagious.
Finally, encourage children to write letters to governmental officials
at the local, state, and national levels, expressing any environmental
concerns they may have. Show them how to express their ideas courteously
and respectfully.
All these actions help model for young people responsible citizenship
in a democratic society. They also show how to be good environmental
citizens of planet Earth.
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