The environment is a great concern for all of us, whether we realize it or not. The air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat; every aspect of our lives in influenced directly by the ecosystem in which we live, and the way we live influences or ecosystem in turn. Scientists and activists have known this for years, but the public at large is just starting to catch on and children today are growing up in a fragile world. There are many reasons why our children should be educated about the environment.
1.Those Who Don’t Learn from History…
The world is damaged. There is really no intelligent argument against this point anymore. The rapid growth of our population and the industrial revolution that’s taken place over the past few hundred years have put our environment in a fragile state. Our cities spew toxic pollution into surrounding ecosystems every second, forests are being destroyed daily, the seas are being overfished, and our resources are dwindling. Children should be brought up to think about sustainable lifestyle options, not to perpetuate the mistakes of their ancestors.
2.Global Warming Consciousness
The evidence supporting global warming and climate change is becoming more irrefutable day by day. Only the most stubborn could deny its significance and imminent threat to our health and lifestyle at this point. Children are highly impressionable, and while even the most conclusive evidence may not have an effect on the wealthy old oil magnate who makes his living off of large carbon footprints, there is now a glowing opportunity to educate about the dangers that global warming and climate change pose to the entire world.
3.Get Children Excited
School can be boring, anyone who has been through basic education can attest to that. Students get restless sitting at their desks for hours on end. Environmental education can get students out of the classroom for fun and enlightening field trips that can help children learn about their local ecosystems and inspire a lifelong passion for learning. Dynamic teaching methods are very effective in engaging the students, and this can be a great asset in their learning experience. An environmentally minded education isn’t only good for the environment; it’s good for the children as well.
4.Get Children Outside
Children of today spend more time than ever in front of the TV and computer screens. Video games are prevalent in most households, the internet is whittling away time, and children are becoming more inactive. Inactivity in these crucial years can lead to attention problems, obesity, and a loss of valuable time with friends and family. Environmental education encourages a love of the outdoors, which can help keep children physically and psychologically healthy.
5.Careers
Children should be given all the opportunities in the world, and there will be a great market for satisfying and lucrative careers in the environmental sector in the future. We are approaching an era in which a doctorate in environmental science won’t be the only option for career seeking individuals in this field.
A child brought up with quality environmental education will have developed critical thinking, problem solving skills, and practical knowledge. The knowledge they can gain in this subject could help them to save themselves, and the world as well. Check out the Fibrex Group line of educational recyclers. Work. Play. Recycle.
*Originally published by Ways2GoGreenBlog.com
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