By Mary O’Reilly
Early Years – the organisation for young children
The GREENCODE project is grounded in a simple but powerful idea: by fostering good environmental habits in early childhood, we lay the foundation for a more sustainable future. Young children are naturally curious and eager to engage with the world around them. When given the opportunity to explore nature, ask questions, and understand their impact, they quickly begin to develop a sense of responsibility and care for the environment.
As a result of the GREENCODE project, Early Years Educators have been equipped with engaging resources—from activity books and Inquiry-based lesson plans supporting the Higher Education curriculum to video tutorials and interactive card games—that make environmental learning accessible and age-appropriate. These tools help children understand key concepts like recycling, biodiversity, and energy use in a playful, relatable way.
The benefits of instilling positive habits early on are well established. Children who learn to reduce waste, respect wildlife, and care for their surroundings are more likely to carry these behaviours into adulthood. They also develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and empathy—essential qualities for becoming active global citizens.
GREENCODE encourages educators and parents alike to view environmental education not as an “extra,” but as an essential part of early learning. By embedding small, consistent practices—such as turning off lights and water taps, planting and looking after flowers, or picking up litter—children begin to see themselves as capable of making a difference. In doing so, we nurture a generation that values sustainability, stewardship, and hope in a greener, healthier planet.
