4 Ways Our Young People Can Keep on the Right Side of Outside!
For parents, grandparents and teachers, it is crucial for us to educate our children about the importance of caring for the environment. Our young ones often possess a natural affinity for nature and can easily become outstanding stewards of the outdoors. They are also, importantly, the future guardians of our planet, and by instilling in them the knowledge and practices outlined below, we can provide them with the best education in keeping on the Right Side of Outside and protecting and preserving the environment for generations to come.
- Take your litter home with you: Teaching children the habit of taking their litter home is a simple yet impactful way to protect the environment. While demanding more bins may seem like the solution, it is not always practical, especially in remote or natural areas. Moreover, installing and maintaining additional bins can be resource-intensive and have a higher carbon footprint. By encouraging children to take responsibility for their own waste and separate it for recycling at home, they actively contribute to reducing litter and promoting recycling efforts.
2. Keep your four-legged friend on their lead: When enjoying the outdoors with our furry companions, it is vital to keep them on a leash. Allowing dogs to roam freely can pose risks to wildlife, farm animals, and even the dogs themselves. By keeping dogs close to us during walks, we can minimise disturbances to wildlife habitats and prevent accidental harm. This practice also ensures that we can also spend more time having fun with our dogs while respecting the natural environment we explore together.
3. Get involved – love our planet and protect it! Encouraging children to get involved in environmental initiatives instils a sense of love and responsibility for our planet. In Northern Ireland there are various initiatives children can participate in or even establish themselves. For instance, they can join local conservation groups, participate in community clean-up projects, or engage in environmental education programs. By actively improving and nurturing the outdoors, our children are contributing to a better world for everyone, as they rightfully claim their stake in protecting the environment.
4. Take your dog poop home with you. Similarly to our first point, it is crucial to emphasise the importance of properly disposing of dog waste. Leaving dog poop bags tied to trees or in nature is not acceptable, as it can harm the environment and create an unpleasant experience for others. A light-hearted way to drive this point home to kids is to explain that trees don’t appreciate the smell! Teach children to safely double-bag the waste, bring it home, and dispose of it in the appropriate waste management system. This practice ensures that our outdoor spaces remain clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.
These are just some of the ways children can make a real difference in the outdoors. Educating them about environmental conservation and sustainability is incredibly important and can make a huge difference to the future of Northern Ireland.
By following the four points outlined above and engaging in open conversations with our young ones, we can empower them to become responsible caretakers of the outdoors. Together, we can nurture their innate love for nature and provide them with the tools to create a greener, healthier world. If you have any other ideas on how to look after the environment, we would love you to share them with us! Email info@outmoreni.com and tell us how you’re keeping on the #RightSideOfOutside!
