How to nurture 'caring for the planet' attitude among young kids

MANILA, Philippines — Caring for the planet has never been more important than now. We have to do it for the future of the next generation. But it also needs getting the new gens involved as young as possible.

On its third year, one remarkable eco-initiative is like a superhero teaching elementary students in Metro Manila on how to be Earth’s guardians—Breeze EcoProject.

The project has been helping grade-schoolers and Science teachers in Marikina City, Taguig City, Pateros and Quezon City become changemakers. Not only does it engage Gen Alpha to recycle, plant and get dirty for good, it also empowers them to speak their minds and inspire more people to take action and make a difference.

Eleven-year-old Bernice, a Grade 6 student at Pateros Elementary School, embodies the spirit of the Breeze EcoProject. Engaging in initiatives like Ecollect (collecting plastic recyclables and flexibles), Eco Garden (urban farming) and Eco Christmas Corner (upcycling old materials into décors and compiling them in one place), Bernice’s testimonial reflects the transformative power of these activities.

“As a young person, I can help by making eco-friendly projects, keeping our community clean and doing more activities that can save our planet. I hope other children like me can be inspired by us and also help in saving our planet,” she shared in an exclusive interview with Philstar.com.

Her newfound commitment to recycling and creating eco-friendly projects showcases the profound impact of the project on young minds.

We learned that we should always take care of our planet and not pollute it, so we lessen the habit of throwing garbage and burning them. We should help our planet become healthier by planting trees.

Jill, another 11-year-old Grade 6 participant from the same school, highlights the importance of the 5Rs—refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle.

I can help take care of the planet by practicing the 5Rs. I can contribute to making our world a better place to live in.

Her involvement in Ecollect and Eco Christmas Corner not only beautifies her school but also reinforces responsible habits.

“I believe initiatives like Breeze EcoProject help us understand the 5Rs