Jul

Environmental Awareness Starts at Home

Helping to reverse the damage caused to the Earth by human life is one of the most difficult challenges facing humanity. Indeed, modern living hinges upon key services and industries such as travel, motoring, transport, tourism and agriculture, all of which are intrinsically damaging to the planet. Cars, vans, lorries, motorbikes, trains and planes all leave a high carbon footprint, which refers to the emission of harmful carbon dioxide gases, into the Earth’s atmosphere. Moreover, agriculture is a key contributor to the so-called greenhouse gas effect, which describes damage to the planet’s protective o-zone layer caused by carbon dioxide emissions. Thus, even grazing cows are increasing the damage inflicted upon the Earth.

But how can this be reversed?

Every aspect of modern life is potentially harmful to the planet, from flicking on a light switch (if the energy source used to produce electricity is acquired from the burning of fossil fuels) to throwing batteries into the
normal rubbish bin (heavy metal components can prove toxic to the surrounding environment if not disposed of correctly). So, the only viable way of ensuring that this planet has a future for sustaining human life is by teaching children how to lead greener, more eco-friendly lives.

This is why it is crucial that children of a young age are encouraged to consider the effects upon the environment. Recycling is a good starting point for children, who can learn how to distinguish between different types of recyclable materials and why it is important to re-use rather than discard. Ultimately, it is how people think that will change the world.