Girl Scouts: Help the Planet While Earning the Eco-Action Badge

Are you a Junior Girl Scout who is interested in helping to preserve the planet and learning how to get the Eco-Action badge? According to the guidelines, the things you are supposed to do include working on a "green" team; planting a tree; paying attention to every drop of water; focusing on watts; starting the presses; reducing the existence of trash; emphasizing the use of paper over plastic; focusing on cleanliness and health; fighting automobile emissions; and learning about women who have championed helping the environment. You have to meet six of these requirements to earn the badge. Here are my ideas on how you can take ecological action while aiming for this honor.

First: It is important to incorporate recycling into your regimen. You should dispose of items such as glass, paper, plastic and aluminum into a bin that is designated for them instead of throwing them away in a trash can. If your local trash collection service has a recycling program, you and your family must take advantage.

Second: Do not leave trash lying around, even if you did not put it there. You should make it your duty to pick up litter.

Third: You have to do your part to conserve energy. Turn off lights, televisions, computers and radios when you finish using them. Urge your parents to set the air conditioner and furnace to a setting that will enable them to come on enough to keep you comfortable while not constantly running.

Fourth: It is up to you to avoid committing actions that contribute to polluting the earth. For example, you should not smoke tobacco or dump trash into lakes.

Fifth: It is helpful to support the use of renewable energy sources. You can encourage society and write your region's legislators to make the use of coal, wind, solar power and other things a priority.

Sixth: You can make a difference by generating publicity. Two ways you can make this happen include supporting a campaign to get the word out pertaining to your cause and publishing articles, opinion pieces and newsletters.

Seventh: You must do what you can to conserve water. This includes completely turning off faucets after using them, taking showers that last less than ten minutes and not running water while brushing your teeth. Only use hot water to clean white clothes when using the washing machine.

Eighth: You should concern yourself with using energy-efficient light bulbs. It is wise to use bulbs that shine brightly while using less power than ordinary bulbs.

Ninth: You can make your voice count through the way you shop. It is a good idea to ask for paper bags at the checkout counter to reduce the amount of plastic that goes into landfills. It is also helpful to try to buy things from companies who are ecologically friendly and active in protecting the environment.

Use these ideas to help the planet while earning your Eco-Action badge!

Badge Requirements