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Protecting and Preserving the Environment

Protecting and Preserving the Environment

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youth digging

Purpose

Protect, preserve, and restore the beautiful earth the Lord has created for us.

Description

Learn ways you can take care of the environment, such as staying near the middle of a hiking trail to preserve the edges, not touching or disrupting plants and wildlife, and carrying out all your trash. You can find information online or invite someone who knows about the environment to talk with your group. If feasible in your area, consider helping to rebuild, mark, or establish a nearby hiking or walking trail. Then go on a hike to put your knowledge into practice.

As you plan this activity, please follow the counsel given in chapter 13 of Handbook 2: Administering the Church (2010) and review “Safety Recommendations for Church Activities.”

More Ideas

  • Recycle and save—Learn how to recycle and save energy in your community. You could invite a local authority to speak to your group about trash services and water facilities, or schedule a visit to a local recycling plant or landfill. Set a group goal to create less waste by recycling, turning off lights, and using less water!

  • Plant some trees—Invite an expert to teach your group about plants and how they affect the environment. Afterward, plant trees in your community to decrease air pollution and soil erosion.

  • Learn how to compost—Composting is a natural way to recycle organic materials (such as yard clippings, nut shells, or old fruits and vegetables) to create rich soil, or compost. Learn about the different kinds of composting and how to make your own compost pile.

  • Overnight camp—For advanced or older individuals, plan an overnight campout and practice leaving “no trace” by properly disposing of trash and human waste, storing food away from wildlife, putting out campfires, and doing other things as needed to preserve the habitat around you.

Discussion

Encourage participants to talk about what they are learning. Discussions can take place before, during, or after the activity. You could ask questions like the following:

  • Why do you think it is important to take care of the environment?

  • When have you been blessed by taking care of your environment?

  • What feelings or impressions do you have about using the earth’s resources responsibly?

  • How can you apply what you are learning in your life?

Related Resources

Sabbath Day Lessons

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