If you’ve ever used a naughty word, you know your childrens’ minds are like sponges. They pick everything up, regardless of whether you like it. But that means they are the perfect students, collecting information as quickly as they can. So it’s a great time to instill healthy habits you want them to keep forever, like being conscious of how they impact the planet.
Here are some ways you can make your children eco-friendly people.
1. Create a recycling center in your garage – Pick up a few colorful recycling bins, each for different recyclable materials. Teach kids about the different types of trash and how easy recycling is if you sort before throwing something away. Aluminum can? Simply drop it in the designated container and you’ve recycled with little effort.
2. Shop at secondhand stores – Buying clothing and toys at thrift stores is a great way to reduce the items that we throw away. Kids go through close so quickly, there’s no need to pay full price for it all. And any toy feels like new to a child, no matter where it came from.
3. Celebrate our planet – Make sure to talk about the Earth and responsibility to keep it in working order. Show kids how we benefit from the Earth by taking them to a farm. Spend holidays outside so they can enjoy our lovely home.
4. Leave the car behind – Whenever possible, avoid taking the car. Pick up some quality, comfortable bikes for the family and opt for biking or walking wherever you go. For many people it’s not possible to completely forgo the car, but avoid it where you can.
5. Keep a garden – Every item of food you grow on your own is something that didn’t have to be produced for you. When your kids are young, you can start with a small pot and expand the site over time. Not only is this Earth-conscious, but kids enjoy actually making something of their own.
6. Reduce resources – Play family games to reduce the most resources. Take a regular trip around the home each night to make sure everything is turned off – computers, lights, etc. Cut regular bathing times down to conserve water.
7. Learn to upcycle – Upcycling is the practice of turning something you would have thrown away into something useful. This can be a fun, creative game for kids as they figure out how to use old things. For example, a used wine bottle can become a vintage flower vase with a little decoration. Baby food jars can be used to hold craft supplies. A cardboard box isn’t trash – that’s a spaceship or pirate ship! There are countless possibilities.
8. Carry personalized reusable bags – I don’t want to think about how many plastic bags get used once and thrown away every year. Pick up a few reusable bags (usually a dollar or less) and personalize them with paint or stickers or something so the kids feel ownership and want to use them.
Written by Karen Barski, BSN, RN, Mother of five, Certified Infant Care Specialist & Instructor, & Inventor of the Woombie Baby Swaddle
Karen has been an RN for 18 years, and has worked in many different nursing roles. As a Certified Infant Care Specialist, Karen counsels thousands of families yearly on a multitude of issues relating to pregnancy and infancy. Also, as a mother of five, she has invaluable experience and tips to share.
Since 2007, Karen’s company, KB Designs, has invented a line of signature baby swaddle products that have helped parents easily transition their new babies from womb to home. There are multiple designs and sizes so that babies can enjoy the comfort and security of the Woombie up until the time they begin to roll.
Each product has been created and designed by Karen because of a need she identified in her life with her five children. With convenience, safety, and fashion in mind, KB Designs has helped over a half million babies and counting!
For more information, visit www.woombie.com.
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