By: Amy G. Capacio

Teacher 3, Casisang Central School

Various images of floods, polluted rivers and lakes and endangered species – we are repetitively being blasted by different problems of our times. These will never stop bothering us unless we start doing something we could in order that, though not completely eliminate, would reduce them gradually. We need to have an array of schemes to which this inconvenient reality will be put into a momentum for change.

Schools have their part in the conservation of the environment and improving its state. But first, there is a need to recognize the problems in the environment to come up with the solutions to address them. Constantly exposed to heavy media and technologies, we are presumed to be completely aware of the highest agenda of today’s issue, the climate change. We utilize resources, pollute them with waste or trash and we never care what would it be like in the future, hence, developing awareness among children and educating them on how to conserve the environment would mold them into better environmental stewards. For example, teaching them about the 3Rs: reuse, reduce and recycle would really make an impact.

Going further, children may be taught how to conserve energy, paper recycling, waste segregation or gardening. It is also ideal to develop environmental policies and slogans for the school or integrating environmental themes to the school curriculum to promote knowledge and consciousness. Children could also be encouraged to become more actively involved in environmental issues in a practical manner, such as recycling trashed materials. Through this, they will not only participate in saving mother earth, they would also develop their skills and creativity. In addition, it is also a good concept to consider the collection and selling of recyclable materials, particularly empty bottles or tins. As a result, the school will not only help the environment, but benefit as well because of the income generated through the activity. Given the solutions, though simple and easy, could open a new window for a fresh and new start as “every bit counts”.

Centering our attention in conserving the environment is like putting the children into a safer and better place in the future. They could also be the powerful vehicle for change if properly shaped by environmental values and awareness, which is part of what a school portrays. Ultimately, school communities are the best places to carry out the advocacy of promoting an echo-friendly environment, driven by the support of teachers and the community.