All right, raising green kids does not mean raising them to be Martians, we promise. What we mean by that is this: if you raise your kids to be more environmentally aware then they will be able to do more to our future and our planet’s future. The more renewable sources and less destructive materials we can use, the lighter you will tread.
Depending on the age of your children, there are several things you can teach them to do. Let’s start with infants. Now, they don’t have much of an opportunity to do anything, so you’ll need to do it for them. Instead of using disposable diapers, which are nowhere near biodegradable (they’re stuck on this planet near to forever), use cloth diapers. Sure, that means more laundry on your part, but think of how many more resources are available to us if you take this small step. If you can’t do this, consider the more eco-friendly biodegradable diapers. Breastfeeding, if possible, is a natural resource for drink and organic baby foods will use fewer pesticides than inorganic.
As the other children in your life get older, the less guidance they will need. Start them all off right by being a good role model by turning off unused lights and appliances, and showing them how to do the same. If you use natural light by opening drapes, the less electricity will be used as well as if you are to use CFL light bulbs rather than incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. Don’t forget to show the kids how to conserve water by shutting off the faucets as they brush their teeth and wash dishes. Also, if everyone takes short showers then the water consumption will be minimal.
Reuse is a form of conservation. As you are raising green kids, teach them not to throw all their old toys, books and clothes away. Rather, take the goods and kids to a thrift store or throw yourself a garage sale. Encourage the kids to take in the items themselves or help them count change out, making sure to keep them involved. Rechargeable batteries are just as good as disposable ones. Rather than buy inorganic foods, buy organic or grow your own garden. The kids can help plant and care for a garden or you can show them in the store the difference between the two types of food, always explaining why inorganic is better. If you compost by reusing table scraps, you can use it in your garden. Recycle paper, plastic and aluminum. Make some different bins for everything, even have the kids help you decorate them, and show them how to toss away each item separately.
When you make lunches or have a picnic, make use of a reusable bag. You can simply clean them out after each use rather than helping destroy more trees or use manmade plastic materials which by their very manufacture use up too many natural resources. Walk or bike to places rather than drive so that less pollution will occur against our environment.
Older children can get involved locally with volunteer groups that aid in the protection of our earth. There are several available worldwide, just check with your local Environmental, Forestry or Conservation departments or ministries for ideas. Also your local library is a good resource, as well as scout groups. As you are raising green kids, just always keep in mind to make it fun and interesting for them by letting them do things along with you. The more the children are aware of what is happening to our planet and her natural resources, the better chance we have of long-term survival both as a people and as a world.
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