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ENVIRONMENTAL issues affect each individual who inhabits the planet since we all share the same home – earth. Some of the environmental issues affecting us today include drought, famine, floods, increase in vector-borne diseases and increase occurrences of natural disasters. 
Many of these issues are the result of the cumulative negative actions of human activities. It is important therefore, that environmental values and positive attitudes be imparted at an early age.
Youth can make a positive difference in environmental protection, conservation and management through participation in local action for the creation of a clean and healthy community environment and addressing the root causes of problems. Through community involvement in environmental activities young people can develop understanding of concepts and skills, including those related to critical thinking, communication, problem solving, creativity, community building, among others.
Getting involved in environmental activities makes youth contributors and participants in deliberate action, inquiry and critical reflection, and fosters their development in a positive way.
As contributors, young people have both the right and responsibility to participate in decisions affecting their environment. Youth are capable of making valuable contributions to their communities and society. In fact, young people can best be described not as future citizens but as co-creators of a thriving society and of healthy environmental practices.
Participation in environmental action provides opportunities for youth to experience first-hand issues that impact society. When youth take action to effect change, they can acquire skills related to planning, public speaking, fundraising, and organizing community support, as well as learn about society. Regardless of whether or not their efforts are successful, engaging in collective action enables youth to think critically about the kind of world they want to live in. It can also enhance their understanding of social, economic, and political systems as they identify opportunities for, and obstacles to realizing their vision.
It is no wonder today that youth from all parts of the world are being encouraged to participate actively in all relevant levels of decision-making processes, because it affects their lives today and has implications for their futures. In addition to their intellectual contribution and their ability to mobilize support, they bring unique perspectives that can contribute significantly to the actions taken to combat the world’s environmental problems.
Today many young people are becoming more involved in environmental action. Even at the local level we can all make a positive contribution by following these simple tips:
Buy local. Buying food from local markets is healthier as food is fresher and it also benefits the local economy. Buying local also reduces pollution, as products do not have to be shipped from long distances to reach us.
Eat healthier. Eating more fresh vegetables, and less meat and processed food are not only healthy, but also fits in with a green lifestyle. While not everyone is ready to become 100 percent vegetarian, there is little doubt that eating less meat is one of the fastest ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Pick one or two days a week where you will cook vegetarian only food.
Quit smoking. Apart from damaging your health, cigarettes are a huge source of litter – plus there is nothing eco-friendly about the pesticides, deforestation, paper use, and waste output of cigarette production.
Use your bicycle more often. If you have to travel less than a mile to get to work or go to the supermarket, ride. This will give you the opportunity to enjoy nature and keep physically fit while reducing your carbon footprint.
Use public transport/carpool more. Start using public transport to go to work or school. One day in the week can be designated carpool day. This simple act will bring you closer with your neighbours and help cut down on pollution.
Many of these issues are the result of the cumulative negative actions of human activities. It is important therefore, that environmental values and positive attitudes be imparted at an early age.Youth can make a positive difference in environmental protection, conservation and management through participation in local action for the creation of a clean and healthy community environment and addressing the root causes of problems. Through community involvement in environmental activities young people can develop understanding of concepts and skills, including those related to critical thinking, communication, problem solving, creativity, community building, among others.
Getting involved in environmental activities makes youth contributors and participants in deliberate action, inquiry and critical reflection, and fosters their development in a positive way.
As contributors, young people have both the right and responsibility to participate in decisions affecting their environment. Youth are capable of making valuable contributions to their communities and society. In fact, young people can best be described not as future citizens but as co-creators of a thriving society and of healthy environmental practices.
Participation in environmental action provides opportunities for youth to experience first-hand issues that impact society. When youth take action to effect change, they can acquire skills related to planning, public speaking, fundraising, and organizing community support, as well as learn about society. Regardless of whether or not their efforts are successful, engaging in collective action enables youth to think critically about the kind of world they want to live in. It can also enhance their understanding of social, economic, and political systems as they identify opportunities for, and obstacles to realizing their vision.
It is no wonder today that youth from all parts of the world are being encouraged to participate actively in all relevant levels of decision-making processes, because it affects their lives today and has implications for their futures. In addition to their intellectual contribution and their ability to mobilize support, they bring unique perspectives that can contribute significantly to the actions taken to combat the world’s environmental problems.
Today many young people are becoming more involved in environmental action. Even at the local level we can all make a positive contribution by following these simple tips:
Buy local. Buying food from local markets is healthier as food is fresher and it also benefits the local economy. Buying local also reduces pollution, as products do not have to be shipped from long distances to reach us.
Eat healthier. Eating more fresh vegetables, and less meat and processed food are not only healthy, but also fits in with a green lifestyle. While not everyone is ready to become 100 percent vegetarian, there is little doubt that eating less meat is one of the fastest ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Pick one or two days a week where you will cook vegetarian only food.
Quit smoking. Apart from damaging your health, cigarettes are a huge source of litter – plus there is nothing eco-friendly about the pesticides, deforestation, paper use, and waste output of cigarette production.
Use your bicycle more often. If you have to travel less than a mile to get to work or go to the supermarket, ride. This will give you the opportunity to enjoy nature and keep physically fit while reducing your carbon footprint.
Use public transport/carpool more. Start using public transport to go to work or school. One day in the week can be designated carpool day. This simple act will bring you closer with your neighbours and help cut down on pollution.
WORD JUMBLE
Make a word from each set of letters, and then use the orange letters to form the mystery word.
(electricity, recycling, climate change, prevention, windmill)
You can share ideas and questions by sending your letters to: ‘Our Earth, Our Environment’, C/o EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email eit.epaguyana@gmail.com
