Greta
Thunberg, a young environmentalist from Sweden, said that - "No one is
too small to make a difference, everyone can do something. I everyone
did something that huge difference can happen."
This is true. In protecting our planet, every small deed can make a big impact. One eco-friendly habit can go a long way and it is everybody's responsibility to take care of our environment.
Yes, everybody, even our kids. Our kids, how
small they may seem, can still make a huge difference.
As parents, it is our responsibility to raise environmentally conscious kids!
So
how do we pass down these eco-friendly habits and make our kids love and care
for the environment?
Here
are 5 fun ways to encourage our kids to be more eco-friendly!
1.
Art
and Recycling
Superhero,
robot, princess, animal, space-ranger – kids just love to play dress-up! Kids are naturally imitative creatures and
they love to wear different costumes and be who they want to be!
Check
your shelves for old boxes, egg trays, tissue rolls, old newspaper, buttons,
bottles and other stuff. With a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of patience,
you can definitely make your kid’s very own costume!
I used to buy costumes for my kids and I would spend a lot
for one costume. Later, I have realized that DIY costumes are not as difficult
to make as they seem. It was actually fun!
For the online science fair of my 8-year old kid, we created
a space suit out of an old cake box, egg trays, empty tissue rolls, old face
shield, and some colored paper. I drew and cut the pattern and my kid helped in
putting scotch tape. He also pitched in some cool ideas as to what his space
suit should look like and he even drew the space gun that he would use. He was so thrilled with his space-ranger costume and 'twas a bonus when he was chosen as one of the "Best Costume" in class!
Making
DIY costumes does not only help us save money or enhance our kid’s creativity,
it also sends a very important message to our kids --- recycling is important!
Through recycling, we reuse materials like bottles, egg
tray, paper which reduces the amount of waste produced. We also show our kids
that collecting recyclable materials help reduce pollution and help us protect
our environment.
Re-use. Reduce. Recycle. This is one of the most important eco-friendly habits we need to pass to our children.
By mixing recycling with art, we
show our kids that used stuff like bottles, paper and plastic can be turned
into something useful and wonderful. Mixing recycling with art surely makes it more fun
for kids!
Here are some websites you can visit which also make us of
recyclable materials into art!
Want to try Bubble Wrap Painting?
Or if you have left over yard and cardboard,
you can also do this Spring Activity, check this out!
https://www.facebook.com/Sunshine-Dayhome-106697648137405
Do you have lots of empty plastic bottles
and you are looking for craft ideas, click this some easy and cool crafts using recylcled bottles!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0WgF6U8MoQ
2.
Gardening
In
school, kids learned all about photosynthesis and how plants take in carbon
dioxide and release oxygen molecules. Kids also learned that carbon dioxide is
a greenhouse gas and that too much of it can cause global warming which is
really bad for our planet!
More
plants, more trees equal more oxygen and less carbon dioxide.
Well,
through gardening, we do not only reinforce what they have learned in science
class but more importantly, we show that our kids can also help in reducing the
greenhouse gas and thus help in stopping global warming!
To
make gardening more fun for kids, let them play with soil and involve them in
picking out plants or flowers to plant. You can also buy a watering can and
gardening tools your kids could use.
Gardening
is a good way to introduce nature to our kids This pandemic crisis makes it very
challenging for us to go outdoors and take nature trips, but with gardening,
our kids can still get in touch with nature.
Kids also learn to appreciate nature more when he learns to grow or take care
of plants. Just like flowers, the interest and love for the environment will
also blossom in our kids’ hearts.
If you want to start a garden at home,
and you need some ideas, check this out:
https://www.kidsdogardening.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sEKubBz9fA
3.
Nature Trip
Raising
environmentally conscious kids is quite important in saving our planet. Our
kids will be the leaders in the future. If our kids love nature, they will grow
up to be nature-loving adults. These are the kind of leaders we need to help
protect our planet.
Taking kids to nature trips help engage
their natural curiosity and wonder. Through
nature trips, we give our kids a chance to explore and learn more about the
environment. We also give our kids a chance to appreciate and love the earth
more.
Because of the pandemic crisis, traveling can be really
challenging. As much as we want to take our kids to camping or to the beach, we
hesitate because of the health crisis.
But you do not have to go far to take nature trips. You can visit
the nearest park, walk in the woods nearby, or pitch your kid’s tent right
outside your porch.
You can also buy your kids magnifying lens, binoculars, or
telescope which can help as they explore nature. Or you can give your kids some
paper and crayons and let them draw what they see outside such as butterflies,
clouds, or trees.
For kids who can already write, give them a journal where
they can write all about nature! Or give them a camera and let them take photos
of the flowers and animals they see. There are so many ways to make the most of
your nature trips!
In taking your kids to nature trips, be to
follow the necessary health protocols in your area.
4. Simple Eco-friendly Habits at Home
Aristotle once said that “Good
habits formed at youth make all the difference.”
Indeed,
the habits formed in youth are often carried to adulthood and these habits make
all the difference in their lives. As parents, we need to help our kids make
good and healthy habits.
Having
an eco-friendly lifestyle does not happen overnight. When eco-friendly habits are
learned and practiced daily, an eco-friendly lifestyle is built. These habits begin right inside our very homes. Here are some fun ways on how to practice eco-friendly habits at home!
Watching television and using gadgets can waste a lot
of energy. Divert your kid’s attention
to other activities. This way, kids learn an eco-friendly habit and help conserve energy!
When spring came, my husband cleaned out the porch and we put a table, 2 chairs, and a flower rack. It became our garden and our resting place. A couple of month ago, we started the "porch time" every afternoon.
Nowadays because of the health crisis, my kids cannot really go out and play so they spend a lot of time inside the house and watch television or use gadgets. Porch time became the no-television and no-gadget time. Here outside the porch, they get to read, play an instrument, draw, and eat their favorite snacks. For more than an hour, they actually forget about their favorite TV program and video game!
With their daily personal tasks or household chores, we can also integrate eco-friendly habits.
For instance, during brushing time, let your kids use a cup
and remind them not to waste water. When you go shopping with your
kids, try to use an eco bag or reusable cloth shopping bag. By doing so, you teach
your kids a practical and eco-friendly habit.
When having parties or get-together at home, use reusable straws and utensils. The eco-friendly bamboo straws are also becoming a trend nowadays! Try not to use paper plates or styro cups or other disposable utensils. This way, kids will grow up in being more environmentally-conscious.
You can also set a recycling bin and let your kids put the
empty bottles inside the bin. When my eldest kid was about 5 years old, I let
him put empty bottles inside the recycle bin and I let him count them out at
the end of the week. When the bottles he collected are 10 or more, I stamp stars
on his hand. He was so happy to put all the bottles inside the bin and earn his
stars.
When
doing household chores, instead of using a vacuum cleaner all the time, you can
also use the broom. I only use the vacuum
cleaner once a week and most of the time; I use a broom to sweep the floor. I also tell my kids to use the broom to clean their study and play area. My youngest who is 8 years old love to clean with this small broom and his very own rag. He calls them his "cleaning tools."
Always remember, even simple habits at home can make a lot of difference!
Want your kids to learn some songs about saving the planet or conserving energy? Check this out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UodHxlcYG6k&list=PLygyp9jbHjo89gsZ-FHnwAyXd9m4Fc2Y4&index=29
http://www.pinellascounty.org/utilities/audio/?fbclid=IwAR3ykLa8PeUyvdECgzswbi9lmnU0d2S9Ppgth5Eh7IQ_d5aGGEw_k6VvibM
Here are more ways on how kids can help
conserve energy at home:
https://blog.directenergy.com/8-ways-to-help-kids-conserve-energy-summer/
Raising
eco-friendly kids can be challenging at times but it will be easier when you
follow these 4 fun ways to encourage our
kids to be more eco-friendly!
Always remember,
"No one is too small
to make a difference!"
