Environmental awareness is usually covered in schools. Knowledge – yes, but many schools fail to teach children how to be green. They don’t teach children ecologically responsible practices. That’s why we, as parents, need to put in some extra efforts in this field. Like most important topics, it’s up to parents to raise environmentally aware kids.
Why teach kids to be ecologically friendly?
Let’s face it – our environments is changing on macro levels. Climate change has become a huge global problem. Our natural resources are endangered, and ecosystems are not what they used to be. And a large part of the world doesn’t even have access to clean water!
This bundle of ecological problems vastly depends on individual behaviors. And that’s why it is important to teach our children to respect nature from their earliest age. Raising green kids isn’t hard, either, but it’s worth it.
We might not reverse the negative effects humanity’s irresponsible practices have caused but we can contribute to the prevention of future catastrophes. Here are some quick, easy and fun ways to raise environmentally aware kids.
Help your child become green:
Go to picnics
I know what you’re thinking – people on picnics do a bunch of things that endanger nature. You know better! After you are done, insist on cleaning up every piece of trash you may have made.
Picnics are also convenient as they help children bond with nature and feel it as a space they should respect. And that will help raise environmentally aware kids.
Recycle at home
Place separate bins for paper, plastics and aluminum. Teach your child to separate different trash materials. If our kids adopt such practice as children, the chances are they will grow into ecologically aware and responsible people.
Kids love sorting. And they love crafts. So your child will also be motivated to recycle different materials by using them for their creative crafts.
Finally, the recycled materials can also be sold for money. Cans, glass bottles, and some plastic jugs can be returned for deposits or sold to recycling depots. Some children are even happier to recycle knowing they will get some pocket money for that.
Visit nature museum
If there are specialized nature museums around you, make sure to check it out. With all the ecological information spotlighted in museums, your kids will become more environmentally aware.
It would be useful if you could go on a guided tour around a nature museum adjusted for children to get engaged in it. Check out any botanical gardens, butterfly conservatories or bird aviaries, or maybe a greenhouse or two, as well.
Lurk the web
Kids today are highly into interactivity and tech. So use that as an additional tool for educating your child in the field of ecology.
Check out some interesting websites, or even some video games. I recommend Ecology Kids and Kids Ecology Corps. Technological interaction will bring the positive messages of saving the planet through responsible environmental behavior.
Save energy
Teach your little ones they should turn off every device after using it and that’s already a good start.
Mind that kids copy our models of behavior. We can inspire them to establish environmentally responsible habits simply by demonstrating them. Raising environmentally aware kids starts with being environmentally aware ourselves.
We should insist on using smart light bulbs as a start. Turn off the lights in the rooms you’re not in at the given moment. And use battery saving mode on your devices. Also, try lowering the temperature on your hot water heater or adjusting your thermostat to be not quite as warm in the winter or cool in the summer. That will also save energy.
Finally, you can also try alternative energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines, and bring you free renewable energy!
Plant a garden
If you have a yard, make it even more beautiful by planting more flowers or trees with your child. This act gives kids a feeling that they have done something special – and they have!
A nice tradition is to plant a tree with your child. Once they plant a tree, they will be able to watch it grow as they are growing.
Or you might try planting vegetables. Growing things you can eat is sure to help your child develop a keen interest in environmental topics.
If you are in a flat and don’t have too much space for plants, you can start a community garden in your neighborhood and engage other parents and children in it. Or plant things in containers. And a vertical garden is a popular way to add more nature to your surroundings, even in a small space.
Visit ecology-related events
Check out if there are any ecology festivals around and see if they have any kids-friendly programs (they usually do). Many festivals create amazing and practical workshops where kids foster some life-changing views regarding their responsibility for nature.
Try to reduce the time spent in your car
While car rides are sometimes inevitable, we should all try finding alternatives whenever possible. Ride bicycles or walk when you are going for some shorter distances. Public transportation is also an ecologically more favorable option than the car.
Our planet is in trouble. But the future generations still have reasons to hope they will be able to make positive changes. In order for that to happen, we need to start educating them right away.
Not all children have to be environmental activists. But each of them can, at least, develop a sense of personal responsibility for their surroundings. Raising environmentally aware kids starts with us.
How do you help your child become green? Do you teach essential ecology rules to your child? Write your thoughts in the comments below!
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