Forgive me, but I think there is something quite sinister afoot among the people wanting oh, so much, to make the global warming go away. I want that too, without a doubt, but I know that it is my generation's responsibility to clean up the mess. I do not think it is right to teach our children that they are the future, they have to consume less, they have to be more green, they have to find alternative energy, etc.
Are we really planning to make our own children clean up after us? Do we really wish to communicate that they have to be stronger and wiser than we are? Must they watch us continue to pollute and overpopulate while we tell them that they will have to save energy, restrain themselves, be clean and green?
Well, firstly, what child in this world would buy that? And why should anyone accept such a double standard? No, if we want our children to help to save the planet, we have to show them the way. We have to learn how ourselves and then guide them and lead them, train them and explain to them.
There are many, many science museums and institutions that explain the problems of pollution and global warming, overpopulation and the destruction of rainforests. Begin by learning with children, sharing the experience of discovering what is wrong with our habits and lifestyles and of thinking of ways to change.
Some of the best museums and websites explaining global warming at the moment are:
The Science Museum - This has a number of excellent, interactive screens and clear explanations.
The American Museum of Natural History
Klimahaus - In German and English; a very nice site, very simple, of photos of different regions around the world. It could make a nice geography lesson as well.
The Encyclopedia of Earth -- very dense text here, but all of it interesting and useful. Better for preparation that for an activity right off the bat. The Climate Literacy Handbook is superb for older children.
But do not stop there. Just explaining the problem to children is frightening. Work with them to discuss what family habits can be changed. Get them involved in helping parents to change. As a group at school or as a family at home, change together. We all know what to do :
Walk instead of drive
Cook instead of going to restaurants or buying packaged food
Growing our own organic fruits and vegetables and working in the garden ourselves
Play physical games instead of electronic games
Go walking or sailing or swimming on holiday instead of flying far away
Don't buy a Kindle; borrow a book from a library and read it
Have home theatricals and rock concerts instead of going to the cinema so often
Try to live without plastics!
Think of ways to recycle things by reusing them in new ways
.
It is up to us to change for our children. Let us make them proud of us.
.
©2009 Anne Morddel
Seasons South and North
Comments