Prioritise: “Our public leadership behaviour and habits as experienced by others will determine how they follow” (Blanchard & Hodges, 2003, p. 15).The welfare of our fellow man (now and in the future) depends on the priorities we choose. To begin with we can analyse and reduce our consumption. Those with economic power (the power to purchase goods) must choose wisely (and without ignorance) those who they will support. “The task that faces humanity is to transform all degrading
and destructive human domination into responsible stewardship of the biosphere
in its entirety. That will need transformation not just of individuals, but of
the institutions we have developed” (White, 2009, p. 6). Early childhood centers have an opportunity to lead the way in this transformation.
Model:Live in a way so that others can follow your example. Children learn through observing the actions of those that surround them. "Modelling is a very
effective and powerful tool to use when developing young children’s scientific
skills" (Brunton & Thornton, 2010, p. 19). Model recycling, conserving power, and discourage waste.
Show Enthusiasm:Enthusiasm is contagious, if an adult shows that a sustainable lifestyle is important a child will catch this behaviour.
Environments:The physical environment becomes the third teacher (Rinaldi, 2006) "...the environments we provide for children are indicative of what we value for them and says a great deal about the conception of childhood that the adults hold" (Miller, Cable & Devereux, 2005, p. 103). “When children come upon something magical beautiful, fragile or complicated that has been carefully collected and arranged for them, they know that they themselves are respected and treasured” (Curtis & Carter, 2003, p. 124).
How the environment can inspire children's art: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Mf6In5e1EE