Who Says Going Green is for Adults Only? Kids Can Go Green, Too!

Who Says Going Green is Only for Adults?  Kids Can Go Green, Too!

By Jennifer Freeman

Ok let’s be real. Effective parenting doesn’t always manifest itself immediately or when we want it to.  Every word, every action, and every moment spent with our child, teenager or young adult, is absorbed and molds them into being compassionate, disciplined, productive, community servants and purpose-driven.  Envision an infinite amount of seeds being planted, watered, fertilized to spring forth new life; all colors, shapes and sizes.  What do you see?  Effective parenting inspires you to look beyond – go outside of the norm for ways to engage and embrace ideas that   encourage your children to be givers NOT takers.

As the world becomes increasingly concerned with the environmental impact of our actions, children want to know where they fit in. This up and coming green generation can start incorporating more responsible practices into their daily routines that will foster a lifetime of good earth stewardship. Here are five tips for children who want to go green with help from their parents, family and friends:

1)     Ask mom for green school supplies. Going back to school and going green can go hand in hand! Kids can get green school supplies (www.thegreenoffice.com) that will make a difference at prices that will make parents happy. Green school supplies (www.thegreenoffice.com) also provide an opportunity to exchange thoughts on the environment with other students and teachers who notice that your child is a little different.

2)     Turn off the water while showering and brushing teeth. Most people let the water run while soaping up or brushing, but that wastes water. Run the water to get towel and body or toothbrush wet, and then wash or brush with the water off. It saves water AND time because you end up focusing on getting clean and getting out of there!

3)     Start an organic garden at school and create compost for it. It's a large undertaking, but if your child can get their science teacher behind them, it's very likely that their principal will allow them to start an organic garden of some kind and a compost heap to fertilize it. Learn about composting, and encourage them to ask their science teacher to help them learn about gardening. They’re sure to get extra credit!

4)     Turn off lights and appliances/electronics when not in use. Kids who aren't environmentally conscious don't usually think about turning off lights and appliances because kids in general aren't cost conscious. That means kids waste stuff. (NOTE:  parents did it when they were kids, too.) Kids who reduce, reuse, and recycle know that wastefulness is not good, and one thing they do not waste is energy. Although cleaner energy is becoming more common, no energy should be wasted. When not using lights or appliances/electronics (TV, computer, video games, etc.) TURN THEM OFF! Mom and dad should unplug them from the outlets as they see fit for safety.

5)     If parents recycle, allow kids to sort. The family that recycles together stays together! If mom and dad recycle, ask them if you can sort if you already don't. Sometimes parents don't realize how much you care. Going green is a lifestyle, so get in on the day-today activities by doing your part.

6)     Volunteer with community organizations that plant trees. Trees help us enjoy cleaner air and more beautiful landscapes. Get help finding organizations where you live who plant trees, and then volunteer to help! The Arbor Day Foundation is a good place to start if you need help locating a group in your local area.

7)     Hand-wash dishes or only run the dishwasher for full loads. Most people don't realize it, but dishwashers use considerably more water to wash a load of dishes than the traditional sink method does. A LOT MORE. So, to conserve water, it's best not to use the dishwasher at all. If you do, use eco-friendly dishwashing detergent and only run the washer when it is completely full. If it's not full or if you can, choose to wash dishes in the sink instead, of course, with eco-friendly dishwashing liquid.

8)     Reduce waste by curbing use of disposables. It's easy to use throwaway cups, plates, wrappers, and utensils, but it only creates more waste for landfills. Also, disposable paper products like facial and bathroom tissue and paper towels and napkins also end up in the trash. We can save more trees by using less paper products, and we can keep more plastics and styrofoam out of the landfills by using less throwaway utensils and containers. Also, eating less often at fast-food restaurants cuts down on your usage of these items, too.

When you have to use them, use less. When you don't have to use them, DON'T.

Sources: www.greenoffice.com,

www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/kidspage/compost, and

www.squidoo.com/ten_green_tips_4kids.