A new report has found that almost half of children consider cost to be the main obstacle to building greener cities, with 17% citing a lack of knowledge and 13% feeling confused about what to do. Children expressed their dreams of a future with robots picking litter, more green spaces, fruit and vegetable cultivation, electric-only public transport, and animals living among humans. E.ON conducted a survey of 2,000 children aged 8 to 16 to understand their vision of sustainable British cities. The survey revealed that most children wanted more green spaces like parks and allotments, less plastic waste, solar panels on buildings and bus stops, and robots to collect and recycle litter. They also wished for more space for wildlife to coexist harmoniously with humans.
E.ON partnered with schoolchildren near its Coventry headquarters to create and paint a mural envisioning a perfect green city of the future. The mural features children and robots picking litter, animals like foxes, ducks, and hedgehogs living alongside humans, and sustainable solutions such as heat pumps, solar panels, and electric vehicle chargers. The artwork depicts a future where high streets are filled with rental fashion stores and upcycling shops, reflecting the children’s creativity and optimism regarding sustainable urban development.
Children in Coventry expressed their desire for a truly green city, emphasizing the importance of cleaner air, less pollution, electric-only public transport like buses and trams, and the presence of electric vehicles on the roads. E.ON hopes that the mural will raise awareness about sustainability in cities like Coventry and inspire positive changes towards a greener future. The artwork, titled ‘Our Imagined Future,’ can be visited at FarGo Village in Coventry and showcases the children’s innovative ideas for making cities more sustainable and livable.
Father’s Day cards are also a popular theme in 2024, with options ranging from funny to thoughtful offerings from companies like Papier and Moonpig. The focus on eco-friendly and sustainable living is evident in the children’s visions for greener cities, highlighting the importance of addressing environmental challenges and promoting a more sustainable way of life. By involving children in initiatives like the mural project, companies like E.ON are helping to inspire and educate the next generation about the significance of sustainability and environmental conservation.
Through initiatives like the mural project and engagement with children and communities, E.ON is driving awareness about sustainability and encouraging positive actions to build greener cities. By listening to children’s ideas and involving them in creative projects, companies can inspire a sense of ownership and responsibility towards environmental issues among future generations. The vision of a green and sustainable future, as expressed by children in Coventry and across the UK, provides a valuable insight into the aspirations and priorities of the younger generation towards creating a better world for themselves and future inhabitants.
