The article highlights an innovative program at a preschool in Gimhae, South Korea, where children are actively engaged in environmental conservation activities. Led by director Jeon Kyu-bi, the preschool emphasizes the importance of teaching young children about caring for the planet by asking them interactive questions and encouraging responses about daily habits that affect the environment. For instance, children are encouraged to think about waste reduction and water conservation through practical discussions and songs that resonate with their understanding of the environment.

A pivotal moment for the preschool came in 2018, when air quality concerns due to fine dust pollution forced outdoor activities to be canceled, prompting the director to recognize the urgent need for environmental education. This led to the implementation of small-scale activities, initially limited to the classroom, such as segregating waste and caring for plants. The director reflects on the importance of instilling environmentally-friendly habits in children from a young age, believing that such education could significantly impact their future behavior and the health of the planet.

The preschool has adopted fun activities like ‘treasure hunting for trash’ where children don gloves and pick up litter in their community. This initiative not only fosters a sense of responsibility and community among the children but also encourages their families and local residents to participate in carbon neutrality efforts, creating a ripple effect of environmental activism that begins with the youngest members of society. Overall, the program demonstrates how engaging and educating children about environmental issues can lead to meaningful change within families and communities.