A Greener Generation?
Is this generation a greener generation than previous ones? Many people like to rail against the deficiencies of modern children's lifestyles. Children are criticised for spending too much time in front of the telly, eating junk food, becoming obese and unfit; spending too much time on their games consoles and computers and generally living an unhealthy and disengaged life. Far from green, in fact. But there are many signs of change here in Britain, in the US and across the world. Childern are being educted as never before about caring for the planet. There are school projects on climate change and global warming and the role of carbon emissions. Young children in the early years of school are measuring weather patterns and monitoring plant growth as part of their studies. In Britain there has been a widespread interest in engaging children in growing some of their own food in gardens at their schools. The Transition Towns network and the RSPB have helped promote some of these initiatives. Many schools take an active interest in wildlife and conservation. Here in Suffolk children can visit an eductional centre (Foxburrow Farm near Woodbridge) which teaches about the environment and wildlife. The Keep Scotland Beautiful group have been handing out a series of awards to 'Eco Schools'. Organisations such as the RSPB reach out to schools and children with their families with programmes such as the Big Bird Watch and BBC Breathing Places Schools programme - which encourages schools and children to do "one thing for nature" each term. Activities include making "minibeast" habitats and planting seeds and creating ponds and other wildlife environments. A poll conducted in 2007 in the UK found that 81% of thirteen to fifteen year olds supported the use of renewable energy sources in their schools. (Source - BBC) The UK government is encouraging participation by schools in eco projects. The organisation eco-schools.org has over 13,000 registered schools which are using some of their resources and training, or participating in competitions. The Sustainable Schools Strategy covers many areas of living, from biodiversity to water and energy use. See http://www.eco-schools.org.uk/national-priorities/substainable-schools-strategy.aspx for more details. A new generation of companies exist which market themselves on the positive impact that they have upon the community and the environment. Many of these have programmes which impact on schools. A greener generation across the pond - and across the world!In the US there are green schools initiatives, too. One very successful initiative was started in New York and has gone on to inspire schools and their communities throughout the country. The Green Schools Alliance runs a competition - the Green Schools Cup. See http://www.greenschoolsalliance.org/ for more information.
Trees for the Future works with farmers, communities and schools around the world to plant fast growing trees which help re-forest environmentally damaged areas. You can read more about them at: http://www.plant-trees.org/ Many of the big environmental organisations appreciate the importance of engaging the younger generation in their campaigns. Greenpeace in Australia, for example has a green schools page which encourages schools to commit to using less paper and to start compost heaps. You can see some of their tips here: http://www.greenpeace.org/australia/take-action/live-greener/school There are rather more political initiatives, too. For example Greenpeace is trying to get schools to avoid Kleenex products in schools because Kimberley-clarke is wiping out Boreal forests in producing nose-wiping materials. See more here: http://kleercut.net/en/theproblem All these initiatives may not mean we have a greener generation growing up across the world today - but there are certainly some inspiring new green shoots to celebrate! If you want your school to go greener, see if there is a transition town group nearby or another national group which can help you get started. Many organisations such as the National Trust (UK) and the RSPB make it their business to be involved with communities and schools. Wherever you are, there is probably an organisation which can help your school to become greener - and help raise a greener generation! With the environmental problems now facing people across the world, it's important work. Share your green initiativesIf you have a story to share about green initiatives for children and young people please use the contact page to tell us about it. If it is of general interest to our readers we will publish it as a separate page - and link back to your website, if appropriate.
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