Why environmental sustainability matters

Environmental sustainability is critical. Our children are on the front line of this issue, so it’s vital to teach them why we need to protect our planet, while also empowering them to take action and do what’s right. Here are two simple and engaging ways to do this:

• Take them for a day out to tree-planting events.
• Support companies who have a commitment to the environment.

The main goal of sustainability is to preserve natural resources for our kids – and their kids… and so on. It’s about tackling climate change, reducing pollution, becoming more energy efficient, as well as protecting wildlife and ecosystems.

If we take the time to teach the next generation about why this is so important, we can set them up with the values, momentum and courage to make a difference in the world.

“It’s never too early to start educating your kids

about sustainability and getting them involved any way

you can in championing a greener future.”

Educating kids about sustainability

• Talk to children about environmental issues: you should always be open and honest about the issues they face.
• Explain your actions and choices: show them why you make the choices you do around things like recycling, where you shop, or when you can avoid driving a petrol or diesel-based car.
• Give your kids credit – they can cope with complexity: don’t talk down to your children and don’t be afraid to broach difficult topics. They’re like sponges when they’re young, soaking up information.
• Tell stories to spark conversation: talk about people who are affected by climate change or deforestation, so your kids can put themselves in other people’s shoes.
• Hands-on activities and outdoor exploration: give your kids the chance to take action, like planting a tree or volunteering for a charity.

Supporting environmental organizations

Utility Warehouse (UW) is a UK energy and telecoms supplier with over 950,000 customers.

The company is passionate about the environment, so they set up the UW Foundation, working with Forest Carbon to plant new trees in their own woodland in the Brecon Beacons. Every customer who signs up to all their services funds a new tree to absorb carbon dioxide. And so far, we have supported the planting of 248,000 trees with 200,000 more to come.

“If we take the time to teach the next generation

to look after the environment, we can set them up 

with the values, momentum and courage to

make a difference in the world.”

Empowering kids to take action

• Encourage creativity: let your kids come up with their own ideas to help the environment – give them homework to look up ideas online, or do it as an activity you can enjoy together.
• Lead by example: set a positive example – actively show that you’re making eco-friendly decisions in your daily life, like reducing waste, getting paperless bills, saving water, and using renewable energy sources.
• Celebrate wins: recognize their efforts! Maybe you could plant a tree somewhere together.

Time to take action

We all have a responsibility to look after the environment, no matter how old you are. It’s never too early to start educating your kids about sustainability and getting them involved any way you can in championing a greener future.

Plant the seed early and nurture it so every generation can flourish. 

What are your key tips for cultivating eco-conscious kids?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.

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