A young person’s experiences in the natural world can strongly influence their view of the wider world and instill a desire to preserve and protect it. As you hike, bike and paddle, discuss the environmental changes that might be underway in your location. Share your knowledge and encourage kids to research areas of specific interest on their own.
Explain how small changes can have a big impact when enough people are in the mix. For example, using proper sunscreen can help protect important coral reefs around the world. Skin protection that contains oxybenzone or octinoxate washes off beachgoers, swimmers and divers and has been found to cause bleaching, deformities and potentially death to coral. Palau, Hawaii and other destinations are taking steps to ban these chemicals.