TV Reviews : Inspiring ‘Things’ Shows Kids Protecting the Earth

Watching or reading the news you can get the impression that kids spend most of their time toting guns to school, getting pregnant, doing drugs and watching music videos.

For a different take on the upcoming generation, adults as well as children should tune in to “50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth,” today’s “Schoolbreak Special” on CBS (3 p.m. on Channels 2 and 8).

Much more than a “tips” show, the inspirational hour profiles elementary and secondary school-age children who, with the guidance of concerned adults, are exerting themselves physically and intellectually to protect the planet’s resources. Their rationale is simple: It’s the right thing to do.

Based on the best-selling book by John Javna and the Earthworks Group, the show is hosted by “Roseanne’s” Sara Gilbert and Brian Green of “Beverly Hills, 90210,” with appearances by other celebrities, including the Muppets. But the spotlight belongs to scores of kids across the country who, individually or in groups, are determined to “defend the planet” and salvage their future from the sorry habits of their elders.

In Maryland, they protect wildlife by patrolling beaches for trash. In Washington, they’re cleaning up a debris-choked stream and hatching salmon eggs to encourage the return of breeding salmon.

California grade-schoolers run an energy conservation patrol, saving their school $200 a month in electric bills. Children in a violence-torn Philadelphia urban area have reclaimed a local park from drug dealers by clearing out trash, caring for the trees and growing plants in empty lots.

And, everywhere, they recycle, recycle, recycle. As one boy puts it, “I feel like I’m doin’ something to save the Earth, instead of just being on the Earth.”