Being good environmental citizens
In
these days of skyrocketing energy costs 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
also can buy and use 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, wherever they
take place. 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.
Bill Cirone is Santa
Barbara County Superintendent of Schools.