Raising Eco-Friendly Kids In Today’s World

We’ve become comfortable with all the creature comforts of home, letting the internet be our connection to the world. While modernization and progress aren’t bad things, we need to make sure that the younger generations don’t lose touch with the natural world, because a lack of consciousness could lead to the total destruction of our environment. So how do we raise eco-friendly kids in today’s modern and very digital world? We go old school, and with a very purposeful intention, reconnect with nature. 

#1. Spend Time In Nature

We can’t expect our children to grow up to be warriors for the environment if they don’t feel a connection to mother nature. They need some first-hand experience with the beauty of green plants, clean flowing rivers, and all the adorable critters found in the great outdoors. Go hiking and camping on the weekend, play in the backyard or at local parks, and disconnect from your phones one night a week and enjoy the stars in the night sky. Doing things as a family outdoors will not only let you reconnect with the planet but will create lasting positive memories that are great for child development. 

#2. Reduce & Recycle

Everyone can recycle, it’s a great family activity that can include even very young family members. Make sure to explain the reason for reducing waste and recycling, which is to lessen the burden and pollution of landfills, so that the activity makes sense. Adults and children alike are more likely to do something if they understand the purpose of doing it. A few great ideas for recycling projects include: collecting litter in the park, making and using recycling bins at home, and making a compost bin in the kitchen.

#3. Conserve Food & Water

Conservation of resources helps the environment in numerous ways but we’ve become accustomed to being able to quickly run to the grocery store if we run out of something, or leaving the water running too long while we brush teeth or do other chores. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that make the largest impact. Teach children the importance of eliminating unnecessary food waste, and being mindful of how much clean water they could be wasting. 

#4. Love Animals

Caring for animals both domestic and wild can help develop empathy in children and make them into adult eco-warriors. Help them learn to love animals by having a family pet that everyone helps take care of, or visiting conservation parks where they can see wild animals up close and personal. 

#5. Ride Bikes And Walk - Leaving The Cat At Home

The Institute For Transportation And Development estimates that biking places when possible can reduce carbon emissions from urban transportation by up to 11%. You can teach your children to help protect the environment by normalizing the act of reducing personal car use. When possible, ride a bike or walk to places you would normally drive. You can also use public transportation if the distance is too far. 

#6. Garden Tending & Tree Planting 

In addition to not polluting the environment, you can help it grow by planting gardens, plants, and trees. Plants release oxygen into the air and they absorb harmful carbon dioxide. Plants also provide food and shelter to wildlife and regulate the water cycle. In short, they are vital to our survival. You can repair some of the damage done to the Earth by planting. Gardens also provide food for your family to eat and give them a true farm to table experience they helped cultivate themselves. A kitchen compost bin can help you grow a healthy backyard garden.