The Littlest Watchdog

I just noticed this recent article from the New York Times, highlighting a new generation of environmental watchdogs who are - quite literally - starting at home. This article reveals a growing trend among a new generation of kids so well versed in the environment, global warming, hybrid vehicles and the plight of cute penguins and polar bears that they're forcing their families to alter their collective behavior. "They pore over garbage bins in search of errant recyclables. They lobby for solar panels. And, in a generational about-face, they turn off the lights after their parents leave empty rooms. “Kids have really turned into the little conscience sitting in the back seat.”"

I recently started reading Thomas Friedman's new book, Hot, Flat and Crowded, wherein he reminds us that our nation has long forgotten the sacrifices, values and successes of the "Greatest Generation". Those victors of World War II were willing to make personal sacrifices toward a greater cause, 'exported' a moral vision that was aspirational for the rest of the world, and - post-war - laid the foundation for our modern economy. I often believe all things are cyclical - booms, busts, eras of great innovation and stagnation, even xenophobia seems to rear its head on a cyclical basis (at least in the US.)

While the NYT article focused on grade school aged children, prior research with all Millennials has revealed a higher level of idealism and desire to effect positive change in the world. While they may be the offspring of the Boomers, perhaps their grandparents are the real role models.