This Earth Day, how about doing something special and teaching your kids all about going green. They are never too young to learn about it and even a toddler or preschooler can contribute to a better planet.
Here are some easy ways you can teach your child to live green:
1. Help them conserve water and electricity by teaching them to switch of taps while brushing their teeth or soaping their hands, and switch of lights when they leave the room.
2. If you carry a cloth bag, why not get them to carry one too? Kids love to create works of art- buy a simple canvas tote from a craft store or sew up a small bag using leftover cloth. Make sure you include two sturdy handles. Get them to decorate their bag with paints or beads/buttons. Let them use their bag for the library, swimming pool or even when they come shopping with you!
3. Make recycling a game and they’ll learn to do it the right way. Explain how certain items can be cleaned and recycled and certain items like milk cartons, which have waxed paper, cannot.
4. Encourage them to walk, skate or bike rather that be driven around. Explain how this is better than using a car and if you need to go a longer distance, take the bus or train. Not only does it become an adventure, but your kids will be happy they’re contributing towards a greener lifestyle.
5. Get them involved when shopping for healthier, non-toxic items. If you are creating your own home-made cleaners, they can even help by rinsing out the bottles or measuring non-toxic items like baking soda. However, beware of getting children involved if you are using potentially harmful ingredients like borax.
6. Teach your child how to select seasonal, local produced fruits for their snacks. You can also take them on a field trip to a local farm so they get to see firsthand where their snacks come from.
7. Children love to get involved in activities such as composting. Allow them to throw egg shells and fruit peel on the compost heap. Don’t forget to explain why you’re doing this.
8. Get them involved in recycled craft projects. Toilet paper rolls, empty carton boxes, scraps of unused cloth and gift ribbon are just some of the things that can be used to create wonderfully creative projects.
There’s so much you and your child can do together to make a wonderful, cleaner, greener planet. All it takes is a little time and initiative on your part, but the good habits they learn today will last with them a lifetime.
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