The Future Is Now



Our Planet and the Future

Our children are the future, and the fate of this planet is not only in our hands, but in theirs too. Once we’ve used up and destroyed the resources of our Earth, there’s no turning back. Teaching kids the message of Earth Day is the legacy we leave for all mankind. The most important thing for kids to know is that Earth Day is not one day of celebrating by creating more garbage, but instead a reminder of what we should be doing all year long. As adults, it’s our job to teach them this. Believe it or not, kids do listen and learn from us.


Environmental awareness

It’s our responsibility to help kids become aware of the environmental fragility of this planet. Whenever possible, use various means to teach kids about ecology and species extinction. Help them to understand that what they do can make a difference. Look for teaching opportunities through the following:

Movies: The Disney film “Earth” this movie celebrates the natural wonder and beauty of the planet.

TV programs: A couple of really good ones are Sundance Channel’s Big Ideas for a Small Planet and National Geographic’s Strange Days on Planet Earth.

Magazines: National Geographic frequently covers ecology topics. Consider a subscription to National Geographic KIDS magazine for younger kids.

Internet sources: You can Google any topic on the environment for a wealth of information and pictures. Go to You Tube for excellent, informative online environmental videos for all age levels.

Spend time outdoors appreciating the beauty you don’t want to lose!


Most of all – TALK ABOUT IT! Discussions about the ecology at the dinner table or in the car will let kids know this is a topic important to you. For this reason, it will become important to them too.

Be an Example – Give Back

Take advantage of the many family volunteer opportunities that stress the importance of giving back to the community and our planet. Family volunteer projects create valuable bonding time and, at the same time, teach kids about environmental concerns. Some activities to consider are

Clean up litter in your community

Participate in fundraisers for ecology and animal projects

Plant a tree to beautify your neighborhood

Donate time at the local recycle center

Adopt a road for trash pick-up

Find opportunities to share environmental awareness with others



Nina Spitzer
The Future Is Now
www.sheknows.com