Environmental Awareness Should Start in the Cradle

As an ex headteacher, I have had more than my fair share of government intervention and new initiatives. The constant readjustment to the latest ‘fad’ and the reorganisation needed to put it into practice was a real struggle for many teachers – especially those who were at the end of their teaching career – wanting an ‘easy life’ during their last few years in the profession.

Similarly the pupils needed to adjust to the new regimes, the different exam syllabi, the introduction of new initiatives and rules and regulations, to name but a few, and like the teachers, those pupils who were in their last few years at school were always the ones who found it most difficult to adapt.

It occurred to me that environmental issues and climate change are very similar in this respect. It is often within the ‘older generation’ that we find the most sceptics, “Why should we change our ways??”  Is a cry we often we hear. There is a sense of disbelief that climate change is anything to do with the way the world is today. It is hard for them to change and take on what they see as ‘new age’ ideas. “All a bit cranky wouldn’t you say??” 

In the teaching profession the more recently qualified teachers seemed able to rise to the occasion with every new initiative. The younger students barely noticed the difference. In fact I can remember distinctly at one staff meeting making a conscious decision to concentrate our efforts on implementing a new scheme with the new entrants rather than trying to ‘force’ those about to leave to take it on.

It seems to me that issues pertaining to the environment should be tackled in a similar way. We can waste time trying to convert those who are set in their ways or we can aim to educate our young people from a very early age, to appreciate the importance of caring for our planet. We can instil in them the need to be aware of the difference each and every one of us can make. In this way future generations will see this as the norm and not something that has been imposed upon them

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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Rebecca DeMain    Yes you are so right. There are many things that we all can do to help save are planet. Although it is an ever changing planet. But there are so many things we can do to help with clean air and even some of the toxins that we put in our own body doesn't help the evniorment any. Great Blog!! Nov 9th 2007 00:05

UBIEE   Thanks Janet, another good article as usual..Marion Nov 9th 2007 00:29

Rae Steinbrink    I believe we already have some proof of this with the elementary age group! There are many things that are a surprise to the younger generation when they hear about it from the "old folks". Jan 24th 2008 20:25