There is an old
Greek proverb that says “a society grows great when
old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” I think
this is true. The future belongs to our children, and every action that we take
today determines the earth that they will inherit from us tomorrow.
This
is a lesson that many of us are just beginning to learn as adults. Many of us
were not raised fully understanding the consequences of our lifestyles. Instead, we find ourselves adjusting throughout our lifetimes, as we observe changes in
the climate and damage that can sometimes seem beyond repair.
For
today’s children it is not so. Environmental education is beginning earlier
than ever. And while a society may grow great when old men take action to
protect the future, the true power lies with its children. I would argue that a society
grows greater when children are passionate and creative enough to imagine and
implement solutions to problems that they did not create.
Luckily
for us, given the right information, today’s children are passionate and
powerful beyond measure. I recently read an article on Mother Nature Network
called 19 Super Kids Who Will Save the World From Adults. It highlighted the stories of 19 boys and girls who
stepped up and took it upon themselves to find solutions to our woes before
they even hit 20. It was one of the most inspiring stories I had ever read.
Here are some of my favorite
stories from the article:
Stories and children like these are no stranger to Little Pickle Press. Not to long ago, Land Wilson, author of Sofia’s Dream, helped children to start a campaign on change.org asking Crayola to establish a take-back program for their plastic markers, in order to prevent millions of markers from becoming pollution and waste. The petition has now been signed by over 85,000 supporters, and it inspired Dixon Ticonderoga to begin recycling their line of Prang Art Markers.
Yes, today’s
children are passionate and powerful beyond measure. Combined, their
imaginative approach to the world’s problems and their inherent love for nature
are a force to be reckoned with. If these children represent the next
generation to inherit the earth, I think it is safe to say that we will be
leaving it in good hands.
Are you doing your
part to take action? Do you know any children who have gone above and beyond to
make a difference? Please share your stories with us!
Wonderful, hopeful article, Cameron. We have to remember that we have to be the role models for our children, and guide them in the right direction. One thing, though- it will take more than 19 "Super Kids" to make change happen. We have to help all of our children reach their potential and be Super Kids in their own way, and then change may come about.
ReplyDeleteI'll give three cheers for that sentiment Khadijah! Setting a positive example is so important and every child is impacted by what they see 'grown-ups' doing.
ReplyDeleteThese videos made my morning Cameron! Thank you for sharing these bright young people's inspiring words and ideas.
ReplyDeleteCameron,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing these inspiring stories. This sharing of inspiration is as important as the work itself! Thanks for all of your kindness and for your outstanding work! ~Land
I'd like to think that the place I work during the day, a technology magnet school, is mostly focused on research. Having been there for three years now is helping me see the light of day: our students aren't just using technology for research, they're becoming little environmental stewards like some of the kids highlighted here. They did a water project, are studying land in relation to water, and raised money for Water.org last year.
ReplyDeleteThese four videos are reminders for me that this is what our children are capable of doing. I'm all for continuing to push them in that direction! Thanks for more inspiration.