Encouraging Scotland's Youngest Eco Warriors
As the country prepares to welcome leaders from around the world to Glasgow for COP26, climate change and becoming eco-friendly is directly in the public eye. While adults see advertising campaigns and pleas from the government, what is being done to teach the next generation to continue the eco fight?
A child planting a tree. Source: Unsplash
It can be hard to educate children into the world of being eco-friendly. Trying to leave a good impression about recycling, climate change and caring for the planet can be a challenge. However, a nursery in Uddingston is working hard to instil climate concerns in their strategy.
Castle Gate Nursery at Castle Avenue in Uddingston has taken the opportunity to introduce an Eco Agenda as early as possible.
Nursery worker Kirstie Stevenson said: “We think that getting them out and about into the garden or taking them to the park really lets them get a feel for nature. In class we do the usual thing of teaching them how to recycle paper during art and their plastics at snack or lunch. Of course, all of us at the nursery try to recycle and use less paper as best we can.”
Castle Gate hopes to lead by example and inspire not just other nurseries, schools or other youth centres, but to leave an impression on individuals in tackling the ongoing eco battle.
Kirstie said: “It might seem a bit daft to think that our nursery teaching a few kids to put things in the correct bin or to plant some flowers will make any difference in the grand scheme of things but if even one child remembers what they are told and keeps it up then that’s our job done.”
The nursery has a plan to future proof its environmental efforts with the children.
Kirstie said: “Hopefully we will be able to get the children to stick at it. We have an idea to get little flower boxes that they can help maintain. We might get some fish that they can look after as a gateway into looking after animals. There’s lots everyone can do and that includes other places that teach young children, so I’d suggest to them to get in and get started. Children are never too young to start learning about their environment.”
With the climate change worsening at an alarming rate, this small step by the nursery is not insignificant. This service to the next generation of Scotland’s young people is as important as recycling plastic or cleaning the oceans. Creating new and enthusiastic eco warriors is vital to the cause. Castle Gate is setting a great example.