It’s easier to go green at home when everyone is onboard. Getting the whole family involved is beneficial to the environment and can help strengthen bonds. It’s an opportunity for parents to educate children on eco issues and how to be good stewards of our planet.
How can you get the whole family involved in the green movement?
- Start Reusing Instead of Wasting
Reuse and upcycle as much as you can. This is something everyone can do. Instead of reaching for a one-time use kitchen bag, put leftovers or snacks into washable containers. This reduces the amount of plastic that ends up in the environment and is something easy that everyone can do.
- Set Goals and Measure Contributions
Create household goals for going green. This could be things like lowering the amount of electricity you use each month or reducing the number of trash bags you put at the curb each week.
Guide children as they find ways to contribute by decreasing their consumption of resources. Write out a list of goals for everyone to work toward. You can also measure contributions by family member. This shouldn’t be viewed as a fierce competition, but rather as a way to show how one person can have an impact.
- Plant an Edible Garden
Planting a garden is a great pastime. Get everyone together and plant an edible garden to reduce your reliance on mass-produced food items.
You can include vegetables, fruits, herbs, and anything else you might like to include in your menu. This is also a valuable teaching moment for kids who can learn more about nurturing life.
- Teach Kids About Composting
Composting goes well with gardening. Set up a composting bin and post a list of what can go in it. Make sure everyone contributes. This can be used as a science lesson by explaining how discarded materials break down and turn into something beneficial.
- Go Solar
Use solar energy as much as possible. It’s clean and completely free to use. You can install solar arrays that could offset all or most of your usage.
If you aren’t ready to invest in a system, you can start small with solar chargers for the devices that your family uses the most.
- Encourage the Turn Off/Unplug Habit
Encourage everyone to turn off lights and unplug devices when not in use. This will lower your electricity costs as well as your consumption. Electronics like televisions, stereos, and microwaves draw power even when they are not on. Unplugging stops the energy waste.
- Limit Motor Vehicle Travel
Limit motor vehicle travel as much as possible. Teach everyone to be efficient about running errands or grocery shopping. It can help to keep track of miles traveled each week.
Work on reducing the distance, which will lower your reliance on harmful fossil fuels. This is also a great opportunity to encourage physical activity like walking and bicycle riding.
Going green is good for the planet and can teach important lessons that your children will carry with them for a lifetime.
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