Teaching Children To Be Environmentally Conscious Leone To 24 canonee EXVIROTHON orth America's Largest High’ Seno! Environmental Education Competitio Environmental education starts at home. (NAPSA)—Although schools are increasingly adding “green” aspects to their curricula, it is ultimately up to parents to help foster their children’s passion for protecting the environment. Here are some ways to get started: Establish a “tree-free” home. Replace napkins and paper towels with cloth alternatives. Use toilet paper, notepads and printer paper made from recycled, bleach-free materials. And leave messages for family members on a reusable message board. National Environmental Education Week (EE Week) is the largest organized environmental education event in the United States. Madepossible by Canon, it increases the educational impact of Earth Day by creating a full week of educational preparation, learning and activities in K-12 classrooms, nature centers, zoos, museums and aquariums. By participating in EE Week, teachers encourage their students to make a difference in their schools, homes and communities. EE Week was developed by the National Environmental Education Foundation, an organization that promotes daily actions for helping people protect and enjoy the environment. To learn more, visit www.eeweek.org. Get involved on a broader scale through programs like the Canon Envirothon. The Envirothon is one of North America’s largest high school environmental education competitions—a program designed to enhance students’ problem solving and critical thinking skills. It is reflective of the company’s philosophyof “kyosei,” which means “all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future.” Through the Canon Envirothon, thousands of teachers and professionals throughout the United States and Canada guide high school students through an environmental education competition that combines classroom learning with outdoor activities. This exposure to nature from a critical perspective and its interrelationship with human impacts on the natural world provides invaluable lessons and develops an understanding of ecosystems and the environment. But the Canon Envirothon is more than a competition. It helps develop knowledgeable citizens who can make informed decisions that affect the quality of life in our communities. Since 1997, it has been the launchpad for many environmental careers. Ultimately, the program creates new leaders who will provide the vision for our future and well-being. To learn more, visit the Web site at www.envirothon.org.
