Sesame Street recently kicked off its 40th anniversary season with an interesting twist. Every two years Sesame Street changes the message of their curriculum, and part of last week’s 40th season announcements included the fact that their two-year curriculum will be called “My World is Green and Growing.” How neat is that?
“Global warming and deforestation—those are really adult concepts, and it’s just too scary for children,” said Rosemarie Truglio, vice president of research and education at Sesame Workshop, the non-profit that produces Sesame Street.
“The place we’re coming from is, ‘Let’s love and care for the Earth, because it’s so beautiful, and we appreciate its awe and wonder, and we’re going to respect it.’ ”
Sesame Street’s producers hope children who learn to love and respect nature will grow up to be advocates for our planet.
“When you love something,” Truglio said, “you want to take care of it.”
How true …
Five ways to raise green kids:
1. When recycling at home, ask your kids to help sort or fill your containers. They will inevitably ask what you are doing giving you the chance to explain the benefits of recycling.
2. When taking walks outside, to point out all the ways nature provides for us and the importance of each.
3. Show them the planet Earth in books and pictures and how it is ‘our home’.
4. Checkout Sesame Street’s “Being Green” DVD. They do a great job of mixing music, stories and games that is sure to engage your young ones in understanding the basic principles of caring for the world we live in and pass on to others.
5. Walk or bike with your kids as opposed to driving, when going to places close to home. They will notice and practice this habit as well when their time comes.
— JEFF
There’s a lot to like about the convenience, portability and power we get out of today’s laptop and notebook computers. With millions used worldwide, it is important to consider sustainability factors, such as their build, design and life cycle.