As we embark into the new decade, our responsibilities towards our mother Earth seem to be growing and yet we knowingly or unknowingly keep ignoring the suffering our planet is going through because of our carelessness. We are aware that our population is ever increasing which is directly causing a direct impact on the depletion of natural resources. So, what do we do? The answer to it is it depends on us to play our part to at least lend a helping hand in finding and using alternative ways of fuels, recycling of papers, wastes, etc, in short, let us learn about sustainable living and lead a sustainable lifestyle.
As adults and being someone who children look up to we should lead by example and guide our children on how to live a sustainable life so as to help in ensuring our planet’s sustainability for generations to come. As we all know that children are our tomorrow and so it is our obligation to teach our children well by setting an example for them to learn and lead the way.
Speaking about sustainability with children these days has become a very important topic. Yet, to find out as to where to begin with often leads us to a confusing situation. So, the best way, to begin with, will be to help the children in understanding the meaning of sustainability in the simplest way. And as they go further they will learn the broader concept of sustainability which is to understand the influence we as humans have on the earth, and what we are leaving behind for the coming generations.
Sustainability includes the various spectrum of things, like recycling, planting trees & gardening, and so many other issues. Involving children and teaching them through proactive activities of sustainably is a great initial step towards creating a mindset of protecting the world around us. So, here are some activities that can help children learn about sustainability:
Segregating and Recycling
Teach kids how to identify and segregate waste. Many items in the waste are biodegradable and decomposed. Composting lets food decompose organically into fertile soil. Create labels for wet and dry waste recycling bins at home, so that the process becomes easier for people who collect trash and also easier to be sent for recycling.
Picking up trash
An activity that also begins from home, teach kids the importance of not littering and throwing rubbish everywhere besides the trash bins. Next, you can take a ‘green team walk’ with the kids (don’t forget to take some gloves and a trash bag) and gather trash that is lying around on the street. This is what most kids enjoy and feel the clean environment as well as the influence they have on the earth when they clean up their own surroundings or street.
Plant Trees or build an Organic Garden
Plant a tree even if the space in your home is not for a large tree, you can always plant a small tree in a large flower tub or pot or in the backyard and contribute towards the protection of the environment.
Build an organic garden in your backyard and grow your own organic food to help save the food from traveling the distance to reach you besides enjoying the benefits of teaching kids how to do gardening. Or you can also build your own indoor organic garden with mini-greenhouses that are readily available in the market.
Reuse Used Items for Art and Crafts
There are so many ways in which you can reuse use items for arts and crafts. The recycling bin is an unlimited source of inspiration to draw from for your craft ideas. Like for instance, you can use the cartons of the boxes to make dry wastebaskets or make coasters for your coffee mugs and many more. There are many DIY videos available over the internet which you can use to teach the children on reusing the used items.
Encourage Outdoor Activities
Outdoor activities are not only good ways of giving our bodies a much needed physical exercise but is also good exposure for the children and learn about nature, the surroundings, and sustainability. The practice to share and appreciate outdoors nature is a sure way of inspiring children to take care of the earth, we all live in.
Collect Rainwater and Save Water
With the threats of water scarcity looming large over many parts of the world. Teaching children how to collect rainwater and also teach them about the basics of rainwater harvesting will play an important role in the quest of the children learning about sustainability. Children can learn about how water plants or to fill up a water-table with rainwater and also how to use water wisely without wasting.
Encourage to read books about nature and earth
Reading is a good exercise and has to be encouraged in our children. This exercise is a good way to introduce books on sustainability and also a great source of learning for children to begin learning about nature and the earth.
Homemade Paper
Recycling paper is one of the best ways of reducing ecological footprint as it lowers the overall quantity of waste that we produce. Learn how to make paper by using the recycled paper scrapings to make the paper at home. There are so many DIY videos that give instructions on how to recycle paper and are available online.
Construct a Compost Bottle
One of the best ways for children to learn faster is by learning practically. Construct a compost bottle (the bottle should be transparent) so that children can see the process of decomposition and the breaking down of the compostable substance which in turn turns into soil. This is a great practical activity for children to learn about decomposition and the contribution it gives towards sustainability.
Create an Air/Water Pollution Science Experiment
Science experiments always bring out the curiosity in the minds of the children. Their inquisitive nature makes it easier for them to learn when they learn things practically, in this create an air/water pollution science experiment to give them a visual experience of the pollution that is around us in the air and also help them to understand how water pollution exists or caused due to us and our unthoughtful activities.
There are various other more activities for children to learn about sustainability and caring for nature through which they can learn to start building a better place to live-in in the future. Adults can also join and learn a lot about sustainability together with children that would make the activities even more interesting and fun to learn.
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