10 FAMILY FRIENDLY TIPS FOR ECO-LIVING
Whether you’re an ardent recycler who never forgets their reusable coffee cup and canvas bags or simply a busy parent looking for some quick tips, it can be really easy to get your family to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
But one of the things that even the most environmentally-conscious parent often forgets is to include their children on their path to greener living. As we all start to face the reality of climate change, the race is on to be as eco-friendly as we can, but a huge part of this is teaching our kiddies how to do the right thing, so here are 10 tips to get you started…
Image of a child outdoors by Paige Cody on Unsplash
1. LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Make it normal to say NO to single-use plastic and remember to bring your reusable bottles and cups everywhere. Show your kiddies how it's done, and pretty quickly they'll get the picture.
2. SHOW THEM WHAT THEY ARE PROTECTING
As the weather starts to improve go to the beach. Spend time in the garden or park. Visit the zoo. Head out into the countryside... Show your kiddies how valuable and beautiful nature is and what exactly is at stake when we don't protect it.
3. CYCLE, SCOOT OR WALK INSTEAD OF DRIVING
OK... this is easier said than done, especially on a wet and windy school morning when it is so easy to jump in the car. BUT car pollution is one of the major causes of global warming - cars emit carbon dioxide and other nasty greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming and ultimately climate change. So next time you're being nagged by your kiddies to scoot to school, remember you're doing your bit for the environment too! ⠀⠀⠀⠀
4. SHOW THEM HOW TO SAVE WATER AND ELECTRICITY
Encourage them to turn off lights when they leave a room or turn off the tap when they're brushing their teeth. Little actions, that become habits can make a big difference.
5. VALUE EXPERIENCES OVER THINGS
So this isn't necessarily an easy one and it might not make you very popular! Admittedly some toys are great, they last, keep the kiddies entertained for hours and if they are helpful for learning then it's a bonus. But what about the drawers and boxes of plastic, most of which are destined for landfill all too quickly (particularly the dreaded party bag toys)!
Show them you care with a trip to the park or the cinema? Tea in a café for a treat or even just an ice-cream.
6. GET COMPOSTING
Invest in a compost bin and show your kiddies how to dispose of their food scraps. Explain how the scraps will be turned into food for worms and how the process is saving the food from going into landfill. Not only will you be creating your own nutrient rich soil, it also reduces methane emissions that come from food waste in landfill, therefore lowering your carbon footprint.
7. RECYCLE
OK, so not rocket science BUT show your kiddies how to recycle properly and why it's done that way.
8. WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD GO NUDE
When you can, pack waste-free lunches and where possible limit the amount of individually wrapped food items you buy, therefore cutting down on the amount of waste. You could even try beeswax wraps as a substitute for clingfilm.
9. AVOID SOUVENIRS MADE FROM ANIMALS
One of the biggest threats facing some of the world’s most iconic animals is poaching; elephants for their tusks, rhinos for their horns, turtles for their shells and tigers for almost any part of them! Teaching our kiddies that it's best to avoid buying any items made from scales, teeth, feathers, tortoise shells, seashells or coral can only help reduce our impact on the environment and encourage biodiversity to thrive.
10. GET OUT IN THE GARDEN AND GET PLANTING
As we (hopefully) see the weather start to warm up and dry out, getting our children busy in the garden from an early age will teach them about caring for the environment. No matter how much space you have - be it a single plant pot or a meadow - planting flowers and shrubs will provide a habitat for native bees, birds and other animals.
Why not have a lazy weekend and avoid mowing the lawn - leaving even part of your garden to grow wild can help pollinating insects, like bees, thrive.
Try planting herbs, vegetables and fruit and it might just have the added bonus of upping your kids' fruit and veg intake! Studies have suggested that children are more likely to try food that they have grown...
Image of children by the sea by Stavrialena Gontzou on Unsplash
Image of children on a scooter by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Image of an ice cream by Patrick Fore on Unsplash
Image of lunch box by S'well on Unsplash
Image of shells by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Image of seedlings by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
We can’t change the fate of our planet on our own but when we all come together, the impact can be huge. If everyone made small lifestyle changes it would add up to make a huge difference.
For more ideas of small lifestyle changes that we can have a positive impact on protecting our environment, click here.