Earth Day and High Schools Resources for High School Educators and Students

The Earth is being destroyed faster than ever, and the problems we face are becoming increasingly complex. As teenagers, we're about to inherit the planet. We will need to come up with ways to propel human progress forward, without destroying the Earth in the process.

Although environmental problems culminate at a global level, local grassroots action is an essential part of the solution. Instituting recycling programs in your school, conserving energy in your home, and keeping local water clean - these are just a few of many actions you can take in your community to help the entire planet. By spreading environmental awareness, we can educate people about small ways they can change their daily lives to make a big difference for the future of our Earth.

Emily, 18
Earth Day Network Volunteer

Take Action

High school students and teachers both play a vital role in increasing environmental awareness in their communities. Below are some suggestions for where to get started:

The Environmental Protection Agency’s education site has good resources and information for both students and teachers.

Want to learn how to get involved in your community? Read Service Learning: Education Beyond the Classroom to find out how you can begin. If you want more information about getting involved, try Youth Service America.

Discover how much of an impact you have on the earth and what you can do to reduce it by taking Earth Day Network's ecological footprint quiz or the Kids Quiz for Younger students.

See how simple changes to your daily routine and behavior can positively affect the environment by visiting One Sweet Whirled or Center for a New American Dream.

Get a better understanding of the many issues impacting the environment today at the Greenpack website.

Find out what other students are doing at the United Nations Environment Program youth site. Also visit the UNEP home page for information on various issues related to environmental development.

Get more ideas to incorporate environmental education and promote Earth Day, April 22 at the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation.

Send us your suggestions for improving the quality and quantity of environmental education in high schools by emailing us!