When a pre-schooler reaches the point when one knows W for “Water”, we can teach some lessons that could be 7 commonplace principles in every household – simple but hopefully that fundamentally changes the value system of the next generation early on:
- You cannot waste water. Every tap, wherever it is must be closed as soon as possible. (Even if you have not opened it, close an open tap).
- Water, Sun, and Food is why we are alive. So, water is what helps us and a large number of living beings live.
- Respect rivers, seas, and rain – they are blessings on Earth.
- Give water to all who need, whenever you can – animals, trees, insects, and anyone else.
- Be thankful for water, whenever you see it.
- Drink enough water, but not immediately after food.
- Enjoy the rain.
Decades of research and common knowledge has clarified that behavioral manifestations are best hardwired through habit formation, starting early in life. The fundamental change in the manner in which we deal or act is largely based on the psychological valuation ascribed to water. If we can make water valuable, then other actions will follow more easily.
Every school already has some basic curriculum that imbibes positive feelings in kids towards the environment. Some also complement it with projects – one beautiful example that I saw in Kindergarten was filling up a large drop of water with stickers, written “do not waste water.” The next step is to fundamentally alter how kids and later adults value water, using a few principles as outlined above (ofcourse the list is not exhaustive). We have started our bit, and if all of us do it over millions of homes at scale, we have a different value system regarding water.
W for Water 