Initiatives that are Helping Kids Take Care of the Planet

The news is full of stories of the devastating impact of climate change. And according to the BBC, 1 in 5 children are worried about the impact climate change will have on them when they’re older and 2 in 5 children don’t trust adults to tackle the challenges that climate change presents.

So, young people are taking things into their own hands in order to preserve the planet and their futures on it. Below are just some of the fantastic initiatives that are helping kids and young people take care of the planet.

Polar Ice

Polar Interdisciplinary Coordinated Education (otherwise known as Polar ICE) connects polar scientists with young people so that statistics and facts can be shared from the source in order to show the impact of their work on the environment.

Polar ICE gives young people access to inspiring polar research so that they can be more informed, use online polar data for school projects, and talk about the findings of these scientists with their fellow students, friends, and families. Getting educated is the first and most important step towards tackling climate change and the threats to our planet and Polar-Ice is an initiative dedicated to helping people learn.

Countrystyle’s School Initiative

Recycling is a simple way to get kids involved in caring for the planet and the Countrystyle’s School Initiative Programme teaches just that! Aimed at primary school children, Countrystyle’s School Initiative educates school pupils on the 3 R’s – Reduce, Re-use and Recycle.

The whole aim of the campaign is to reduce the amount of rubbish that ends up in landfills each year. Representatives from Countrystyle visit primary schools around the country to speak at educational assemblies and lead classroom sessions to educate children on the importance of recycling.

Kids for Saving Earth

Kids for Saving Earth is an organisation that was set-up with a mission to educate, inspire, and empower children to protect the world’s environment. Kids of Earth provides education materials, environmental posters, an education curriculum focused on climate change and environmental issues, and numerous activities. Joining is free and there is plenty of information to get started with!

Kids Against Plastic

Kids Against Plastic is an environmental campaign that was started by two young women, Amy and Ella. Growing up, Amy and Ella were shocked to discover how many plastics there were in everyday products and how eco-conscious consumers often didn’t have any sustainable options when looking to buy necessary items like bottled water.

As a result, they founded the Kids Against Plastic Campaign. As part of their campaign, Amy and Ella lead litter-picking excursions, speak at TEDx talks, and work alongside kids around the UK to tackle the problem of plastic pollution. Everyone can join their movement by breaking plastic habits and lobbying for change where they live. Kids Against Plastic merely shows other people that it’s possible to stand up for what you believe in and make a positive change for the planet.

Eco Schools Global

One of the many inspiring initiatives encouraging children not only to engage in their environment but to actively protect it is Eco Schools Global. This campaign starts in the classroom, educating children about their environment and how to care for it, before inspiring them to foster positive change in their lives and wider communities.

Eco Schools Global helps equip children with the knowledge they need to contribute to having a long-term positive impact on the environment while encouraging others to do the same.

Zoom – Kids for Climate Change

Since 2002, the Zoom Kids for Climate Change campaign has been inviting children from all over Europe to make their daily journeys to school in a climate-friendly way. Whether it’s taking the bus instead of a car, or cycling or walking, Zoom is helping children take responsibility for their environmental choices.

As part of Zoom’s green initiative, kids that choose more environmentally friendly travel methods to get to and from school collect Green Footprints. One good journey = one Green Footprint. These Green Footprints make it all the way to the UN-Climate Change conference as proof of the efforts of young people in driving positive change for the planet. Zoom increases the awareness and eco-friendly mobility efforts of younger people by encouraging their involvement in sustainable and plant-conscious efforts.

Green Ambassadors 4 Youth – WWF

WWF is on a mission to save the planet by creating a world where people and wildlife thrive. Through its vast conservation efforts, WWF wants to transform the world’s wildlife, forests, seas, and rivers by reducing pollution, stopping climate change, and supporting people in their efforts to live sustainably.

As part of WWF’s efforts, they are passionate about inspiring young people to stand up to climate change. So, they started the Green Ambassadors 4 Youth scheme. This brilliant badge scheme helps to engage young people with environmental issues. Through a series of practical activities, groups can explore the links between the environment, wildlife, and our lifestyles. Complete the activities and earn the badges! WWF’s Green Ambassadors 4 Youth campaign is helping young people make a difference in the world for the preservation of their future planet.

Final Words

There are so many brilliant initiatives out there to choose from. We have merely listed some of our favourites. We hope the above campaigns and organisations have inspired you! And if you want your children to be involved in caring, the initiatives above are a great place to start!

If you enjoyed this blog and are keen to find out more about ways we can help teach children how to care for the planet, our blog 'How Can Teachers Teach Environmental Awareness in Fun and Creative Ways?' is the perfect article to read next.