Being good to the environment is important for people of all ages. If you have children, you’ll want to adopt certain environmentally friendly practices when caring for them and also teach them about the importance of helping to preserve the planet. Here are some of the best ways to be environmentally friendly with children.
Use Cloth Diapers Instead of Disposables
Before you start teaching the children in your household about the virtue of living a green lifestyle, you can set a good example by using cloth diapers when your kids are still infants and toddlers instead of disposables. Some disposable diapers are made from materials that aren’t biodegradable, and dirty diapers could end up sitting in landfills for years and take up space. Cloth diapers can be reused continuously as long as they’re kept clean and free of damage.
Teach Them About Recycling at an Early Age
By teaching your children about recycling at an early age, you’ll help instill good habits that they’ll carry through life. SFGate.com suggests setting colored bins in a designated section of your home and teaching your children how to put cans, bottles, and other recyclable items in their appropriate bins for recycling. Your children may get even more enthusiastic if you take them to a recycling bin to show how the materials are collected and recycled.
Purchase Environmentally Friendly Toys
Certain types of toys are made from environmentally friendly materials that are easy to recycle if you end up eventually disposing of them. Many toys are also made from materials that don’t contain the toxic chemicals that could put your little ones and the environment in harm’s way. It’s also a good idea to get more toys for your children that don’t require electricity or other power sources to operate, and a marble run toy is a perfect example of this.
Plant a Garden
Planting a family garden can be both fun and educational for your children. Your little ones will likely learn to appreciate the earth more when they have the opportunity to plant seeds and watch plants and flowers grow. Another good idea is to plant crops that will grow fruits and vegetables so that your children can harvest them and learn about how the earth can give back to society when people are kind to the environment.
Take Nature Walks
Simply going on walks through nature frequently with your children can inspire you all to lead eco-friendlier lives. You’ll have the chance to see unspoiled landscapes and teach your children about the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving the planet during these walks. The wild animals that you and your children may see can also help encourage your children to start making efforts to do better for the planet.
Donate to Environmental Causes
There are foundations and other charities that have been established to raise environmental awareness and preserve the planet. You and your children can donate money to some of these causes to help support their efforts. By donating regularly, your children will be reminded of the efforts that need to be made continuously to protect the environment. You can suggest that your children set aside some money from their allowances to go toward these charities.
Visit Science and Natural History Museums
Science and natural history museums contain exhibits that teach visitors about many aspects of the planet and its constant evolution, and taking your children to these museums can help raise more environmental awareness. Exhibits that cover prehistoric times and different animal species are showcased at many of these museums. Some science and natural history museums may also teach about human involvement in the environment and how mankind’s advancements have both helped and hurt the planet in many ways. Most museums have exhibits that are specifically designed for kids and include many hands-on activities to help young visitors learn and interact better.
You’ll be doing your part as a responsible parent by finding more ways that your family can live a greener existence when you have children. By instructing your children about the importance of environmental awareness from an early age and practicing eco-friendly habits yourself, your family will be directly involved in making the planet a better place for everyone.
Written by Amy Sloane
About the Author
Amy Sloane is an alum from Oregon State University and spends her free time as a freelance writer and knitting enthusiast. Amy loves reading, cooking, and spending time with her dog, Molly.
You may also like
5 Easy Ways Your Family Can Go Green This Year
How to Create Good Habits and Help the Environment
How Your Family Can Go Green in 2020
10 Tips on How to Stay 'Green' as a New Parent