5 sustainable living practices and fun activities!
Teaching children to care for and respect the environment develops problem-solving skills, empathy and creativity. Plus, instilling a value for the world around them can only benefit the planet and future generations. This can be done in age-appropriate ways with rather minimal effort on your part as the parent, or it can be a cornerstone of your family rituals—your choice! Here are some routine, sustainable living practices and fun eco-friendly activities I do with my daughter that might inspire you.
1) UPCYCLING FOR ARTS AND CRAFTS
One kid’s trash is another kid’s treasure! Consider starting an upcycle bin with the myriad of items that can be reused for arts and crafts creations with your littles and their friends. Some things (cleaned as needed, of course) that can go in it, depending on what you have room for, include: cardboard tubes from toilet paper and paper towel rolls, glass yogurt or pudding containers, jar lids, construction paper scraps, the plastic tops of yogurt and applesauce pouches, popsicle sticks, plastic bottles, cereal or cracker boxes and egg cartons. Pinterest provides endless ideas for a more structured art activity. Or just give them the tools and see what happens.
2) SAVING WATER AT HOME
I recently discovered my daughter was filling up a bathtub and then taking a shower. We discussed how using less water means more available in lakes, rivers and streams, and to choose one or the other bathing method. Quick lessons about saving water can include turning off the water when brushing teeth to save up to 200 gallons a week for a family of four, taking a five-minute shower, turning off faucets tightly after each use and putting used tissues in the garbage can instead of flushing them.
3) PICKING UP TRASH
Adults may love family walks but, speaking from experience, children may revolt at this “boring” outing. Turn an ordinary jaunt into an interactive, eco-friendly activity by hunting for and collecting trash along the way. To keep it safe and hands-free, purchase a grabber tool to place the found items into a garbage bag.
4) CARING FOR PLANTS
The basic activity of tending to plants and flowers, including digging in the dirt, planting, watering and weeding, can be fun for all ages and a simple way for your kids to enjoy and learn about nature. Every spring, I plant an outdoor container herb garden with my daughter. She helps water the herbs, cut them for meals and turn an excess harvest into dried herbs as the year progresses. Tip: Allow herbs to flower to attract pollinators such as butterflies and bumble bees, which both bring joy to watch and support the ecosystem. Whether you’d prefer to focus on indoor containers or outdoor garden beds and flowers, herbs or other plants, teach your kids the tricks of the green-thumb trade and give them some ownership. Another idea: Plant a sapling together and watch the tree grow along with your children.
5) DONATING UNWANTED SNACKS
If your child is going through a picky eating phase like mine has or just doesn’t like something you bought, there may be snacks in the pantry that are taking up space. Instead of wasting food, check with their classroom teacher if munchies can be donated to the “emergency snack fund” for kids who forgot to bring one. Then have your little one bring them to school.
PHOTO: Erik Meadows
