Recent criticism of environmental education may or may not be justified, but it is sure to continue. Environmental education, and educators, will continue to feel the heat. However, there is little debate on the need for our children, and our adult population, to become more environmentally literate. Hopefully, our review of environmental education websites has given us all some new tools and insights we can apply to assessing environmental education efforts in our own communities.

Environmental eduators are a diverse lot. However, they share their desire and dedication to share what they know, and how they know it. Many are professionally trained and work full-time in school-based settings. Others came to the field with a background in activism and community-based organizational development. Some curricula illuminate issues through science, others base their appeal and effectiveness on less disciplined approaches. Some programs focus on the early years, others are geared for the lifelong learner.

No matter what the focus, most environmental educators and programs have a clear and present need for more community, funding, and volunteer support. For some the need is for trained and motivated educators, for others skilled fundraising and office management skilla are the top of the list. But just as environmental education offers learning adventures for all, it also offers helping opportunities for all. All we have to do is ask and participate. Get into the game and become a part of one of the fastest-growing, and most important, environmental movements today. Environmental education programs exist in every state, and virtually every community. If we seek them out we are sure to find a way to become involved at a level that is effective and satisfying.

We end this overview of environmental education with a recommendation to visit two websites from right here in Hawaii. The Hawaii Environmental Education (HEEA) is a group formed to advance the reach and impact of environmental education in Hawaii. Many of its members are professionals in the field, for them HEEA presents opportunities to network and work together to achieve common goals. HEEA has "sister" organizations in many states, check out the state listings for information. The Maui Recycling Group (MRG) is a community-based organization created by concerned citizens. Their HIMEX website reflects this organizations' dual focus on education and programs.