One Small Step for the Planet = A Healthier Planet
This is one movement where the younger generation leads. Middle- and high-school-aged kids are working hard to educate their teachers and their families in simple, straightforward ways to go green.
New Jersey sixth-grader Brian M. was dismayed by open space in his community being developed and trees being cut down. He raised $2,000 by persuading his neighbors to join and support the organization. More recently, Brian went door-to-door handing out reusable grocery bags from a local supermarket along with a hand-made flier informing people of the negative impact of plastic bags on the environment.
New York Stuyvesant High School junior Marcela R. started a green club at her school last year as part of the Sierra Student Coalition, a group that supports high school and college students in making environmental change. “Our first project,” she states, ”is investigating our school’s recycling program to see what’s working and what’s not. We’re trying to increase awareness of recycling [paper], from the students to the custodians.”
Turning Your Home Green
If your teen hasn’t already gone green, there are things you can do to raise his or her awareness of energy use and planet protection. Make it a family project. Spend a weekend day changing from standard light bulbs to the energy-efficient compact fluorescent kind; try unplugging electrical appliances; discuss a recycling and composting plan for your household. By making small changes at home and learning about the differences they can make in protecting the environment, many teens, and their parents, become inspired to do more.
teri Stanley, sparks, NV 09/24/08
If this is considered a trend then some trends are a good thing! This is something that is not going away anytime soon. They say that kids are our future and the future is "going green" as much as people do not like hearing that catch phrase anymore. Actually people have been doing this forever, they just don't realize it. If you garage sale, or collect antiques, etc. then you ARE going green. That's re-using. It's an old concept. But if Teens feel they are part of a better solution for the future, that is wonderful thing to support. I agree with Patricia, make them feel empowered and motivated! That's our job, isn't it?
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