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Kitimu says: "Before you can fix a problem, you need to SEE the problem! Today you're going on patrol through your neighbourhood to spot the 5 big environmental threats hiding in plain sight. Real rangers notice what others walk right past. Let's go, Cub!"
🎒 What You Need
Your neighbourhood or local area
Notebook & pencil
Camera or phone (optional)
Gloves (if picking up litter)
📋 How To Do It
Know the 5 Big Problems: Before you head out, remember the 5 environmental problems you learned about: (1) Litter & Pollution, (2) Water Waste, (3) Energy Waste, (4) Habitat Loss, (5) Food Waste. You're looking for evidence of ALL five.
Walk your patrol route: Take a walk around your neighbourhood, garden, school, or local park. Walk slowly and observe everything — the ground, the buildings, the drains, the gardens, the bins.
Document each problem: Every time you spot one of the 5 big problems, write it down or take a photo. Be specific — don't just write "litter." Write "3 plastic bottles in the storm drain on Park Street."
Rate the severity: For each problem you find, rate it from 1 to 5 stars. 1 = minor issue, 5 = serious environmental damage. Think about: How much harm is this causing? How many living things does it affect? How long will this last?
Create your Problem Report: Back home, organise your findings into a "Neighbourhood Environmental Report." List each problem, its location, your severity rating, and ONE idea for how it could be fixed. This is what real environmental scientists do!
Ranger Tip: Look for hidden problems too! A dripping tap is water waste. Lights left on during the day is energy waste. An overgrown empty plot where trees were cut down is habitat loss. Train your eyes to see what most people miss.
Safety note: Always walk with an adult. Never pick up sharp objects, broken glass, or anything that looks dangerous. Use gloves if you handle any litter, and wash your hands afterwards.
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Share your Neighbourhood Environmental Report and photos in the Junior Rangers WhatsApp group!