Childhood obesity and attention difficulties are only some of our children’s issues when they don’t get enough time outdoors. Spending time in nature is proven to make our kids more active and attentive. Nature is scientifically proven to impact our physical and mental health profoundly. When we teach them about environmental education, they can learn beyond just a love of the outdoors by also making a positive impact.
What is Environmental Education?
Encouraging children to research the ‘how’ and ‘why’ and form their own opinions. Environmental education inspires children to engage more with their communities and promotes critical and creative thinking skills. It helps children understand the environment and provides the building blocks they need to live eco-friendly and sustainable lives.
Here are two reasons why environmental education is essential for kids:
1 – Nature nurtures and instils passion for the environment
Spending time outdoors naturally makes people care more about the environment as they can appreciate what it does for them. Just 2 hours of nature per week is linked with improved health and well-being. Introducing kids to the great outdoors can lead to higher school performance, reduced stress levels, improved social skills and more… the list goes on. This interaction instils a love of nature and inspires kids to do their part to give back to the environment.
2- Encourage children to form sustainable habits
Teaching our children about the environment can help them develop sustainable habits that will likely stick with them as they grow up. Even small actions have significant impacts over time. Lead by example and ensure your kids understand why each action is essential. For example, explain how your reusable bottle keeps plastics out of oceans and landfills and how the life cycle of a plastic bottle uses large amounts of fossil fuels that contribute to climate change.
Sustainable habits which can be performed at any age:
Recycling
Turning the water off while brushing teeth
Keeping lights off when not in use
Using reusable water bottles
Environmental education can help our children become curious and passionate about nature, the environment and protecting our planet. By encouraging this passion at an early age, we have a better chance at raising a future generation who care about people and the planet!