Children hold the future of this planet in their hands. Given the urgent need to correct the global damage we and many of our ancestors have done, it behooves us to equip our collective youth with a wide range of knowledge in response. This will include wisdom to not only make the right choices moving forward for their own health and that of that of the planet, but also the capacity and skill to rectify destruction through community spirit and science, as well as the use of technologies non-injurious to humans and ecosystems. A positive working relationship can be fostered by intentionally building reciprocal relationships between children and the natural world around them.
This educational workbook is not like other foundational educational manuals. It is not only interdisciplinary, but profoundly action oriented. It aims to generate a strong sense of purpose and agency in those who are led through the exercises and concepts it contains. This workbook provides content, activities and ideas geared to generate creative solutions to ecosystem problems and related impacts on human health. Far from understanding nature to be comprised of ‘resources’ that need to be ‘managed,’ the modules herein seek to foster reciprocal interactions between humans and nature. Finally, this workbook aims to captivate interest and motivation as a means of expanding exploratory and experiential ways to think ‘out-of-the-box,’ leading to self- and collectively-generated socially responsible solutions to the many challenges facing human and ecosystem healing.
Here is to great optimism for a brighter future for all.
This manual includes eight modules and can be bought in its entirety or purchased in module format separately.
Children's Environmental Health Program Manual
$50.00
The full manual including the introduction and all 8 modules at a discounted price.
Module 1: Human-Nature Relationship
$10.00
This module on human-nature relationships provides information about the worldview that promotes a lifelong ethic of care and way of being that is an important precondition to environmental health learning and practice.
Module 2: Plastic and Revamping your Home
$10.00
This module contains resources and stimulating questions about the use and health impacts of plastics on our bodies and our environment. It aims to help expand the thinking around plastic exposures from the micro to the macro.
Module 3: Bioregionalism and Sustainability
$10.00
The question of what the future will hold for children as they become adults needs to be clarified. In order to empower them, the concept of regionalism in sustainability is fundamental to thriving communities. In this module, these concepts will be addressed in order to empower the young.
Module 4: Climate Change
$10.00
This module on climate change allows children to explore all the real avenues to overcome present-day global challenges and address real solutions. Creativity and exploration are encouraged.
Module 5: Animals as Equals
$10.00
When we learn that all life forms, including ourselves, are equally precious and sentient, we will have a different relationship with ourselves and others: human and non-humans. This chapter aims to explore the psychological boundaries that lock us in to thinking that we are entitled to rule and exploit the animal kingdom without consequence. Without reference and respect for all life, we are essentially shortening our own existence and depleting it of connection and meaning.
Module 6: Electromagnetic Fields – Detective Work
$10.00
This module allows children to become detectives of the unseen sources of exposures from electromagnetic fields that exist in every space except in wilderness. It behooves children to know what exposures they are bearing, where these exposures are coming from, and their cumulative impacts over time. Children have the right to make choices regarding what electrical exposures are affecting their body and the way they feel.
Module 7: Nutrition - Nourishment & Nurturing
$10.00
Knowing what nutrients are in food is very empowering, especially for children who are growing, and who need to build their bodies and minds. Understanding the impacts of contaminants that can potentially interfere with their development and their wellbeing as they mature is ethically imperative, and needs to be translated to these young folks so they can make wise decisions and become empowered regarding agency and self-care.
Module 8: How to Farm at Home
$10.00
The way of the future is sustainability and food shortages are imminent, especially in Canada, where the growing season is very short. Everyone needs to learn how to generate foods sources close to home.
