“UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” -”The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss
Annually, April 22 is Earth Day. Like any other day it is a time to take a pause on our personal investments for the day and commit to doing better throughout the rest of the year. Earth Day theme for 2021 is Restore the Earth.
We must not forget that some of the main leaders of environmental advocacy and justice are youth. As educators, it is important to remind youth that they are not too young to get involved, and we should also, as much as possible, incorporate youth activists in lesson plans.
Additionally students can identify areas in their communities or schools they can improve. This could include an outdoor clean up day or installing a garden. Organizations like Keep Indianapolis Beautiful have activities throughout the year to get youth and adults involved in keeping the city beautiful. Activities can include habitat restoration or tree planting.
Whatever teachers choose to do, students should be involved in the process. We only get one Earth. It is important for our children to learn at an early that they should be involved in keeping our environment clean and healthy.
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