My promise to act for the planet

Start with what you can do

Caring for the Earth doesn't have to start with a huge promise. Pick one thing: something you saw by the water near you, something you use every day at home, or a problem you got curious about while talking with your family. This activity sheet is a pledge where you write why you care and what you'll try from now on. Find small things you can keep doing in everyday life.

Try it together like this

1. Choose a problem you want to care about

   Think of one problem that's on your mind, like cutting down on trash or keeping the waterside clean. It doesn't have to be about a faraway country. Remember something you saw yourself or talked about with your family, and say briefly why you became interested.

2. Decide who to tell, and what

   Write your name and the problem you want to tell people about on the pledge. It's also nice to think of people you'd like to talk with, like friends, family or classmates. If there's something you don't know yet, write what you already know and what you want to find out separately.

3. Write three things you'll do

   On each line, write one thing you can try yourself. Specific actions are easier to look back on, like using what you have for a long time, finding ways to cut down on packaging with your family, or telling people what you noticed. For things that need a grown-up's help, add who you'll do them with.

4. Read it together and pick a day to look back

   Read your finished pledge to your family, and look for chances to try it in daily life. Next time you look at it, talk about what you tried and what was hard. If a promise was too big or didn't quite fit, it's okay to change it to something easier to do.