Environmental Education and Family

Abstract

Conditions of the environment in which mankind lives change continually and bring new problems with them. It is a reality that industrialism alters economic and social status, and habits and behaviour of communities. The relationship between the individual, family, society and environment changes depending on the conditions. In general, man continues his life by providing a particular balance in harmony with his environment. However, in some cases the balance fails. The relationship of man with his environment constantly changes and, therefore, needs to be controlled continually. Although until recent years, many resources have been considered unlimited, in the twentieth century people began to be aware of the fact that our environment is subject to serious threats. Environmental consciousness is an important condition for the studies aiming at protecting the environment and preventing pollution; however, it is not adequate by itself. It necessitates participation of all the community. It is difficult to solve the problems unless participation of both the individual and the family is provided and wrong habits are changed. A person who feels responsible for his environment chooses options which are less harmful to the environment while he produces or consumes in his daily life. Environmental education is necessary in order to make use of the environment in a reasonable way to meet some needs, and to prevent consumption and pollution caused by inappropriate use of the environment. 6