From recycling your plastics to walking to school, here are 10 simple ways to encourage your kids and family to be more sustainable. We’ve all heard the three ‘Rs’, and for good reason. Reducing waste, reusing items where possible and recycling are three of the easiest ways to live more sustainably. But there are many other ways you can get your kids excited about living sustainably and building good habits for the planet. So, we’ve put together a handy checklist your kids can tick off to see just how many good choices they are making.
1. Use travel mugs and water bottles
Ditch the plastic containers and invest in reusable items like glass food storage, stainless steel water bottles, bamboo lunchboxes and reusable coffee mugs.
2. Turn it off!
Before leaving the house this week, get the kids excited about not leaving electronics or lights on around the house. Explain how important it is to conserve energy by switching off devices at the wall and encourage your little ones to do a ‘switch check’ before leaving.
3. Pick it up!
Grab a bag, some gloves and enjoy a walk around your neighbourhood or the beach collecting bits of rubbish as you go. The kids will love feeling helpful and seeing the impact they’re making.
4. Walk to school
Emissions from vehicles are one of the major causes of damage to our environment, so looking for opportunities to walk or cycle instead of driving is a great way to minimise your impact.
5. Go nude with your food
Ditch the plastic wrap on the kids’ lunch boxes by investing in beeswax wraps or choosing not to wrap them at all. Many lunchboxes now have sectioned compartments so there’s no need for wrapping.
6. Start a veggie patch or balcony garden
While you may not be able to grow all your own food, starting a veggie patch is a great way to teach kids about the environment, and a fun activity for growing minds! Visit your local supermarket or department store for everything you need to get started.
7. Recycle!
Easy and effective, we can’t not include recycling on the list. Get the kids involved by making it their job to ensure each item is placed in the right bins or make it monetary by taking your items to a depot, and letting the little ones keep the profits!
8. Stop the tap
Make water conservation a priority by encouraging your kids to turn off the taps while brushing their teeth and take speedy showers. Turn it into a competition of beat the clock – who can take the shortest shower today?!
9. Shop sustainably
Whether it’s brands using eco-friendly fabrics or business practises, it’s clear sustainable fashion brands are on the rise. Teach kids to buy longer lasting and sustainable items is a great lesson!
10. Start a compost or worm farm
There are plenty of space-friendly options to start a backyard compost or worm farm and it’s a great way to reuse left-over kitchen scraps while teaching kids the importance of soil.
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