Why There Should Be Environmental Education in the Schools

In the years to come, the human population is expected to grow at a very fast rate. The rapid population growth would likely mean more damage to the environment. In fact, the way people live is the major cause of global warming. “The youth is the hope of our nation”, a hero once said. This is the reason why environmental education is crucial and should be implemented in every school.

The Essence of Environmental Education in Schools

The responsibility of teachers in schools does not end after young students have learned how to read and write. Learning the alphabet and knowing how to count are not the only things that need to be focused on. At a young age, children should be taught how to care for the environment and instil in them a lesson that caring for Mother Nature is our greatest responsibility. In addition to basic subjects like Math, Science and History, Environmental Education should be added to the schools’ curriculum.

Children first learn their values at homes, but they spend more time in schools and teaching them simple things like picking up litter or avoiding the use of non-biodegradable items will make a long way in the future.

Although not all, it is awesome to know some schools, colleges and universities have been strictly implementing Environmental Education. In fact, some teachers are stern with their lessons, tasks and assignments that some students would opt for the custom essay for help.

What to Teach?

While living without garbage is close to impossible, we can actually minimize it. Schools should teach students about the 3R’s or reduce, reuse, recycle. Reduce means limiting the purchase of items stored in disposable containers. Examples include soft drinks in plastic bottles, canned goods, and chips. To reuse means avoiding new purchase. For example, instead of buying a new television, why not have it repaired first?

If you really need to buy a new home appliance, think of donating old ones to charitable institutions instead of just throwing them away. And to recycle means to find a purpose to anything that is already considered thrash. For instance, an old tire can be used as a mirror frame, table, swing, hammock, and many more.

In addition to the 3R’s, students should be taught the importance of planting trees. In the Philippines, there is a law that requires all able-bodied citizens to plant at least one tree every year starting at the age of 12. We know trees absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. Trees also absorb tons and tons of water preventing floods and landslide. Moreover, trees provide habitat for different animals. Mostly, trees give us food and shelter.

Environmental Education or EE does not only empower students and teachers, but it also strengthens communities and awakens the sense of responsibility within us. Most of the time, all we need is to disseminate the proper information in order to initiate action. In the coming centuries, the world is no longer liveable, according to studies. We surely do not want that to happen. We owe everything to Mother Nature, we should act today before it is too late.