Coming together to celebrate the launch of the new Eco award, developed as part of Girlguiding’s wider environmental sustainability strategy, the girls were eager to learn and take action. It was fantastic to see them coming together, exchanging ideas, and discussing the changes they can make both in their daily lives and within their communities.
Launched on Earth Day, the Eco award is the first award that all sections of girls aged 4-18 in Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, and Rangers can achieve.
Growing change: the first steps of the Eco award
Our morning at Fyvie started with an activity that felt like the perfect introduction to the Eco award: planting tomato seeds. As we gathered in the garden, the girls got stuck in, carefully placing seeds into compost-filled pots, learning about how small actions, like growing your own food, can have a big impact on the environment.
Many of the girls shared their experiences of gardening at home, and it was lovely to hear how much joy they found in spending time outdoors. One girl, who is a Ranger, told me how she had become a 'lockdown gardener' during the Covid-19 pandemic, discovering a newfound appreciation for nature and the satisfaction of growing her own vegetables. Her story was a reminder of how important time outside can be, not only for the environment, but for our own health and wellbeing. The simple act of planting seeds became a bigger conversation about food miles, reducing waste, and the sense of achievement that comes from eating something you’ve grown yourself.
Talking about sustainable travel
As the morning went on, discussions turned to other areas of the eco award, particularly sustainable travel. Many of the girls spoke about their desire to rely less on their parents driving them to school, meetings, and activities. They wanted to walk and cycle more, reducing their carbon footprint and getting more fresh air and exercise.
However, they also raised some important challenges - road safety and the lack of public transport in rural areas. It was heartening to hear the girls not only identifying the problem but discussing ways they might raise their voices for change. Some talked about writing to their local councils to advocate for better walking and cycling routes, while others considered ways to encourage car-sharing schemes in their communities. These conversations showed how engaged and thoughtful young people are when it comes to sustainability. Not only do they want to make greener choices themselves, but they also want to help create systems that make those choices easier for everyone.
The importance of young voices in climate action
Young people are at the forefront of climate activism. Global figures like Greta Thunberg and other young activists have demonstrated that youth voices can be powerful drivers of change, influencing global leaders and sparking worldwide movements. Seeing the girls in Fyvie so engaged in conversations about sustainability was a reminder that this is their future, and they deserve a say in the decisions being made about the environment. It’s crucial that young people are listened to and included in decision-making at all levels, from local communities to global climate summits.
Eco-anxiety and the power of action
According to Girlguiding’s Girls’ Attitudes Survey 2024, climate change is one of the top concerns for girls and young women, with 37% of girls feeling worried, anxious and overwhelmed by global warming. The survey also found that many girls feel frustrated by the lack of action from governments and businesses, and that they want to be more involved in creating solutions.
This is why initiatives like the Eco award are so important. Taking action, no matter how small, can help combat feelings of powerlessness and anxiety. By engaging in hands-on activities like planting food, reducing waste, or advocating for better transport, young people can see that they are making a real difference. These local actions not only help the environment but also empower young people, giving them a sense of agency and optimism about the future.
Young voices, big impact
One of the best things about the Eco award is that it gives girls the opportunity to take ownership of their environmental actions, whether through upcycling clothes, buying pre-loved, or getting involved in local conservation projects. Seeing the girls at Fyvie talk, collaborate, and share ideas across all age groups was a fantastic reminder of how participation fuels change.
It’s always encouraging to see young people learning about sustainability and actively taking steps to make a difference. Whether it's planting tomato seeds, campaigning for better transport, or spending more time outdoors, these Guides and Rangers showed that small actions can lead to a greener future.
And if the enthusiasm I saw in Fyvie is anything to go by, that future is looking bright.
