Environmental Education for a Greener Tomorrow
The 26th of January is World Environmental Education Day. It’s a day for learning about nature and our role in preserving it, and it has been celebrated every year since 1975. This was when the United Nations created the Belgrade Charter – the official guideline for environmental education worldwide.
The goal of environmental education is to improve the relationship between people and nature. It’s about appreciating and understanding natural ecosystems so we can live in harmony with them. Environmental education makes us more aware and sensitive to our impact on the planet. It also helps us develop the skills and attitudes we need to make positive change.
Why is Environmental Education Important for Young People?
The children of today will be the leaders of tomorrow. Therefore, teaching them to love nature and care for the environment is crucial for future sustainable development. Learning about the environment from a young age can help children develop eco-conscious values that will guide their decision-making later in life.
When an entire generation cares deeply about a cause, they have the power to influence policy-making and build a world that aligns with their principles. An example of youth activism in action is Fridays for Future – the climate justice group started by Greta Thunberg when she was just 15 years old.
A Case for Children’s Development
Environmental education also has personal benefits for each child. Many studies have proven that people experience less stress and frustration in natural environments compared to busy, built-up areas. Spending time in nature affects our brain waves and helps us feel calm and relaxed. For children aged three to 12, there are even greater advantages.
A 2019 study from the Journal of Psychology & Behavioral Science found that spending time in nature directly impacts childhood development. The authors found that children who spend more time outdoors often have better confidence, independence, self-esteem, memory, concentration, and relationships with others.
Environmental education is thus most beneficial when it involves hands-on activities that allow children to explore and learn outside the classroom. This makes the learning fun and memorable and gives the lessons more impact overall.
Examples of Environmental Education in Schools
The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) runs an environmental education programme called Eco-Schools in South Africa. This international programme teaches children and youth about nature through hands-on projects that benefit their schools and communities.
- Practical experience – kids run their own environmental projects from start to finish through Eco-Schools. The children get to plant trees and vegetable gardens, collect recyclables, build shelters for insects, clean beaches, monitor water quality, and more.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking – before the children can start their projects, they must plan each stage, finding creative ways to solve a specific problem they notice around the school. They also have to write reports and monitor their projects as they go.
- Community engagement – each Eco-Schools project has a community piece that gets kids to engage with neighbours and business owners in the area. It helps spread the word about the good work they’re doing at school and gets more people involved in the project.
- Real-world impact – the best part about Eco-Schools is that their projects make a real difference. Kids witness the power of teamwork first-hand and use their ideas to improve daily life at their school or within their community. eWASA works with WESSA in South Africa to grow the Eco schools project.
Going Beyond the Classroom: Environmental Education for All Ages
According to the Belgrade Charter, “Environmental education should be a continuous life-long process, both in-school and out-of-school.” Learning about nature shouldn’t end with adulthood. People of all ages can benefit from spending time outdoors and updating themselves on environmental news.
But how do we structure environmental education for adults? Without the school system, adults must find their own ways to keep learning. This is where government-run agencies, businesses, and civil society come in.
National and municipal parks play a big role in facilitating group learning. If you’re looking to join a nature walk, then public parks, reserves, beaches, and environmental centres are the places to go. You can also join workshops and request resources from activist groups that focus on environmental issues. Explore some examples below.
How To Celebrate World Environmental Education Day
World Environmental Education Day is about raising awareness for environmental issues and sharing knowledge with others. Businesses, schools, communities, and individuals can get involved by doing something educational on 26 January that will also benefit the planet.
- Join (or run) an environmental education workshop.
- Host a guest speaker to educate employees/students/residents.
- Organise an educational group outing to a nature reserve.
- Watch an environmental documentary or join a live webinar.
- Run an expo for sustainable businesses to introduce people to eco-friendly products.
For businesses, celebrating Environmental Education Day could form part of an existing sustainability project or even complement your EPR scheme. Business leaders can use the day as an opportunity to raise awareness for pressing environmental issues in their industry. To find events, sponsorships, and volunteer opportunities for your business, you can contact eWASA.
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