Environmentalism

The environment has done so much for us, so we should always give back and do good for the environment... no relationship can be one sided, and our relationship with the environment is definitely no different. At the rate things are going today, we don't really have a choice if we still want to be able to use and enjoy the environment in the future. For my project I want to do something regarding environmentalism. I want to do something geared toward younger children -- the young people in society today are the ones who will shape our society's and environment's future. I feel like getting children to care and be passionate about the topic is one way to help ensure a better future for our environment and therefore a better well-being for humans. In a perfect world, it'd be a win-win situation:)

My four and half year old sister Hailey was definitely my main inspiration and motivation for chosing to do my project geared toward little munchkins. Friday I came home to visit her and she wanted to take our dog, Rico, for a walk around our property (my dad owns 30 acres) on a leash (he NEVER walks on a leash -- little kids are too funny). Anyway, she packed a little book bag of snacks for a picnic. As we were sitting on the grass eating, she went to throw the wrapper to her gummy snacks in the field. I explained to her how you're not supposed to do that and taught her about pollution, how it effects the environment, animals, our health, etc. She picked up her trash and definitely showed concern for the animals affected by pollution. The next day, my other sister, Paige, took her on a walk down the road where they could hear the electricity running through the electric lines above her. Paige asked if she knew what electricity was and Hailey said it's what "gives power to our house." Then Hailey saw trash laying on the side of the road and told Paige that that was bad and would hurt the animals and said, "Hey! I have an idea! We could get a bag and pick up the trash!" No joke. I was so proud of her. This just goes to show that things like this really do get engraved in little kids minds. Tell a 20 or 30 year old and they'll probably forget it by the next day, or think about it, feel bad about it, but do it anyway, or not do anything about it. I think it's the little kids we need to focus on now for a better future later!

From an article on suite101.com on Environmentalism:

Environmentalism is a movement to preserve the health of Earth and its ecosystems. While it is based in science, it's also inspired by values and spirituality.

-eliminating pollution

-protecting biodiversity

-restoring habitat

-slowing climate change

-conserving natural resources

-recycling waste

-reducing consumption

-increasing energy efficiency

-using alternative energy

-monitoring ecosystems

-designing, building and living green

-getting children outdoors >>> see, other people agree!