Importance of Educating Children on the Environment
Nature provides human beings with an environment that we can use for sustainability. We benefit from the sunlight, water, air, land and the various products derived from them. The plants and animals that are found from the land, as well as the aquatic animals from the sea, serve the various needs of ‘man’.
But all of these things that help us live a good life are not just there for the taking. There is a need to use, preserve and care for these resources so that they will last not only for one’s lifetime but for the future generations to come. The following benefits which we enjoy from our environment cannot be overlooked:
- Trees and plants give off the oxygen that we need in order to live, and in turn plants make use of the carbon dioxide that humans gives off for the plants’ production of food. Plants provide fruits, vegetables and other yields such as rubber and lumber. Sturdy and pretty plants are used as ornaments and decors. The most important benefit of trees and plants is the provision of sustenance and shelter to man
- Animals provide meat, milk and eggs. The skin of some animals can also be used as leather, which man uses in making bags, shoes, coats and other handcrafted things.
- Beautiful corals, pearls and other attractive, exotic shells from the sea are turned into elegant-looking jewelries and striking accessories.
- Water quenches our thirst and is also used for cleaning purposes. Seas, oceans and other bodies of water transport boats and water vessels.
- Minerals excavated from mountains or derived from soils provide precious stones and coals, and oils are processed to be used as fuel.
- Technology has made possible the processing and production of medicine from plants and animals
- The energy from the sun has been converted into electrical energy, and the power from the wind make windmills move. Water is also used to irrigate the land or produce electrical energy
With the above mentioned benefits, it is important to educate our children of the magnitude of the significance of the environment, of which the most important, is the learning that the food which humans consume, is basically sourced from the environment. The bread that we eat comes from the ground meal of wheat, rice, barley or cereals and other root crops like potato and cassava. Children who are taught that bread comes from these plants will realize that when commercial bread is not present, one can come up with the homemade bread when an exigency arises. With this concept, they will have respect and appreciation for a patch of vegetables that they see around.
The knowledge that homemade orange juice and lemonade will serve as better drinks than commercial juices which are also practically inexpensive, will help them realise that as long as there are available fruits in the garden, the hunger pangs can always be satisfied, even if stores are not available on some particular times. This also educates our children to make smart choices when it comes to foods, and will encourage them to prefer the natural and organic ones, over mass produced products that contain numerous preservatives.
When it comes to farm animals, the pigs give pork for bacon, ham and sausage. Home-prepared hams and sausages can be more satisfying and contain lesser preservatives than the ones sold commercially. Chicken and ducks provide eggs, and the cow’s milk is used to make cheese and ice cream. Again, one need not go far to have a home made cup of natural ice cream in the comfort of their own kitchen. The process should be taught to children diligently, and adults should supervise them during the method, and provide the little ones with age-appropriate tasks
Learning activities regarding the usefulness of the natural resources around our youngsters will also help them understand that sustainability is not an impossible thing to acquire. Aside from sustenance, plants have also medicinal values. Studies have shown the effectiveness of herbal plants in curing diseases. The stem, bark, roots, flowers, leaves, and fruits of medicinal plants may be boiled to produce concoctions that can either be eaten, drank or applied on the skin. Some are also used in cosmetics, soaps and shampoos, and can also be made into liniments rubbed to relieve muscle pains. Fragrant flowers can be used to come up with a scent or cologne. Garlic leaves and bulbs are known to relieve one from toothache and sore throat.
The beneficial uses of all the things we find in the environment are endless. It is up to us to make use of these to the fullest. It is therefore a great help to the growing children to know all these because the knowledge will help them acquire the habit of taking care of the environment, not only for the said reasons, but to give the children the opportunity to keep the place where they live a better one each day.
For it is truly remarkable to give back the good things that Mother Earth has provided. The said values that are instilled in our kids will surely make a difference in giving them the inspiration to attain their goals, protect the environment , support livelihood, and promote health, which are bound to make them lead enriching and fulfilling lives.
