On The Road
June 15, 2010
Planting the seed of conservation
Posted by Emily Cass
Where: YMCA Cascade Heights, Burnaby
One of the greatest pleasures I have had as a BC Hydro Community Outreach representative is the inspiring – and entertaining – young people that I meet every day. Whether or not they can spell the word ‘conservation’, every community is home to future leaders that understand its significance. During a recent story time at a preschool in Burnaby, I met one such boy.
After teaching the class about how electricity is made with our exciting electricity dance, I introduced our seed paper colouring activity – biodegradable paper with wildflower seeds inside. On this paper, we ask the class to make a pledge about something they are going to do to conserve electricity and save the environment.
“These are seeds?!” one boy exclaimed, holding up a single seed between his fingers. Before I could continue, he had rushed out the door onto the field: “Look guys I’m planting a seed!” he announced from outside the classroom.
Proud of his efforts, he returned to the classroom and encouraged his classmates to come out to plant more seeds. “We can make a garden for the bees,” he said as he led his classmates outside.
We were so proud of this boy and his classmates – the high fives were flying!
What this little guy demonstrated to everyone that day was an acute knowledge that every individual can make a difference but more significantly, that the biggest impact comes when we all work together to ensure that everyone’s needs are met.
While it is our goal to inspire others to conserve, young people often end up inspiring us as well. To us it quickly becomes apparent that no matter their size, young people are eager to make a difference and the future of energy conservation in British Columbia is very bright.
Get more information about conservation and BC Hydro’s school programs.
Emily Cass is a Community Outreach representative based out of Burnaby and will be at community events throughout the summer.
