Children learn what they live, they understand and develop an appreciation of nature at an early age. One day a child will be an independent decision-maker, educator and so on. Teaching them today about eco-friendliness will undoubtedly affect their future day-to-day life choices and eco-friendly habits. Plus, teaching them how to lead a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle will teach them to take responsibility for their actions and maintain a healthier planet.
Recently, everybody has been crazy about “go green” and it’s a good thing to follow. When it comes to any actions we take around the house to save energy, water, recycle, reduce waste, etc. the effects are positive.
Why Is It Important to Teach Children About Eco-Friendly Living?
There are efficient and easy-to-apply ways to teach the next generation eco-friendly living. Here are some ways to raise a eco-conscious kid & to keep the fun flowing while building a strong foundation for future eco friendly behavior of your kid:
Inspire to Spend more time hanging outside in nature.
This simple trick will teach your children respect for the outdoors.
Kids almost naturally like to spend time outside. They like to play in the park, go for walks, ride bikes, go skating, climb trees, etc. As long as they are outdoors, they will be happy. Don’t stifle this love by keeping them connected to the TV or other electronic devices all day. Encourage their love of nature. Encourage them to absorb the fresh air.
Teach and encourage your children to use environmentally friendly means of transport or public transport.
As a family, choose a mode of transportation with the least amount of damage to the environment whenever possible. This may include taking public transit, riding your bikes when spending free time with your family, and walking instead of driving. Teaching your children to use public transit to environmentally-harmful means of transport from an early age will also benefit your child’s attitudes in the future.
Get your kids using reusable containers.
My kids use their own water bottles to take on walks, when we go somewhere in the car, and reusable containers and water bottles when they take food to day camp or school or etc
Educate your kids to reduce waste.
Reducing waste by eating all the food on their plate, only using the materials they need and saving any leftover materials for next time and cutting down on unnecessary packaging. It also helps them to appreciate food and their blessings.
Teach them the importance of saving water.
Save water when they brush their teeth, when they wash their hands, when they take a bath (or shower), when they help do the laundry or dishes, etc. Reusing gray water (without soap) to water plants is also something most kids enjoy doing.
Start recycling.
A few simple steps are all it takes to get your kids into recycling. When kids understand that recycling allows for one item to be saved so it can begin a whole “new life” as something else, they get interested.
Saving energy.
Involve your kids by making them responsible for saving energy in their own rooms and around the house. Turning off lights during the day or when they leave a room. Opening their shades or blinds in the morning to let natural light in, rather than using electricity.
Gardening.
Kids love to create new things. They love to see things grow and love knowing their actions helped make those things grow. Teach them to grow their own vegetables. How to care for them from seed to table. Get them to know all food doesn’t need to come from grocery stores. They can grow their own.
These are environmentally-friendly actions you and your kids can take. Remember, it’s not about teaching your kids to be “greener”, it’s about teaching kids to be smarter. To respect and care for the environment around them and the earth itself.