Kids are our future and they are the ones that need to be taught about the environment and world around us. Yet, very often, it is we who inadvertently cause them harm by swaddling them in toxic garments, rubbing chemical filled creams onto their bodies and feeding them processed foods high in fat, sugar and chemicals.
To get them aware of environmental concerns at a young age, without being the most boring or weirdest parent on the block, try and make ‘green activities’ part of your daily process.
1. Walk or bike your children to school. If that’s not possible, then try biking as a family or a walk in the park over the weekends.
2. Make sure their toys are PVC free, so they are not inhaling gasses from plastic softeners on a daily bases. Try buying toys made from wood or other natural products and load their toy bins with books.
3. Feed them organic, non-processed food whenever possible, so they get a pesticide free diet.
4. Don’t reward them with food or toys- select something else as special treats- a bike ride to the park, a trip to the zoo, a swim in the local community pool.
5. Use natural soaps, shampoos, creams and medicine for your child. There are wide varieties to select from.
6. Stay away from disposable diapers where possible and try cloth diapers. If you must use disposables, get unbleached, chlorine free diapers. Stay away from disposable wipes and use wash cloths/water instead.
7. Teach your children about recycling at an early age. They can help you sort out your weekly recycling and dispose of it appropriately. If you have an outdoor garden, make your own compost heap, which the children can help fill.
8. Teach them to love and respect nature. You can hang up a bird feeder or bird- bath at home. If that’s not possible, take them outdoors on a regular basis for walks and hikes, to get them to see nature at its best. Visit your local conservatory, zoo, aquarium and other animal shelters.
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