How to generate ecological awareness in young people

Generating ecological awareness in young people goes beyond specific campaigns that invite them to recycle or declarations in favor of the environment from their idols. Although everything helps, in reality only an education that begins in the earliest childhood will achieve the objective: that they be informed citizens , with a critical spirit, because only by understanding and loving nature will we contribute to its preservation.

The first years are essential . Within the family or in schools is where the child is socialized, the period in which the personality develops and is oriented for better development. The values, knowledge and attitudes that instill respect for others (which includes Nature) will be transmitted through stories, school activities and, especially, through family life.

A comprehensive development of the child based on positive principles of respect but also love towards himself will be, in short, the basis of a healthy, balanced personality, from which to be able to successfully teach him to take care of the environment in a practical and pleasant, without impositions.

Attitude is key to achieving a good predisposition that helps to implement eco-friendly behaviors on a daily basis, so promoting green attitudes is like planting a seed that will end up germinating and bearing fruit: those ecological gestures that end up being infected at the family or family level. in circles of friends. Therefore, if we want the youngest to be environmentally conscious, we must lead by example at home and also on the street.

Through reasoning and suggestion, but especially positive example , recycling, and other desirable behaviors will come naturally. Above all, it is important to take an optimistic approach to eco-responsible everyday actions, such as separating waste to facilitate recycling, not wasting water or electricity, growing an organic garden with them or practicing sensible consumption. Far from being an obligation or a punishment, it must be seen as something desirable , as a contribution that benefits the environment and also us.

Creative recycling is a gold mine to entertain young people and open up a world of possibilities that they can take advantage of for their interests. They will discover that they can turn discarded or no longer used objects into other really useful and fun ones, while they will understand from their own experience the problem of waste and the importance of separating it, as well as controlling it by generating the minimum and recycling correctly .

Taking advantage of the holidays to decorate the house with crafts made by the smallest of the house is a nice way to turn those days off into moments that will remain to be remembered and will make the children feel like protagonists. It will be easy to color the eggshells to make Easter decorations that we can hang from the ceiling or use to create original centerpieces.

At Christmas, for example, it would be fun to make the typical wreaths in an alternative way , using candy wrappers, aluminum foil with which they wrap the school sandwich, plastic bottles or any other recycled object.

You also have to familiarize the youngest with nature . Being in direct contact with her on a regular basis is essential for her good physical and mental development. But not only that, because the environment is not only a place to benefit from, but a space shared with other living beings that deserve respect.

The exits to the field are a wonderful opportunity for the young people aware that it is possible to enjoy the natural environment without adversely affecting the ecosystem. Again, the imposition does not work. Discovering Nature is an exciting adventure that must be enriching in every way.

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