List the Ways Kids Can Help Save the Earth

When teaching children to protect the environment, follow the adage "think globally, act locally" and start in your own neighborhood. The key lies in helping children to value preservation more than consumption. Parents can help by educating children about the importance of conservation, which leads to the creation of eco-conscious habits that last a lifetime. Even small children can take actions that make a difference.

  1. Learn

    • The first step toward creating children who care about the earth involves education. Start by reading books about how kids can impact the environment. The Auburn University Library recommends titles such as ̶0;Shelterwood̶1; by Susan Hand Shetterly, ̶0;Something Beautiful̶1; by Sharon Dennis Wyeth, ̶0;Come Back Salmon̶1; by Molly Cone and ̶0;Seedfolk̶1; by Paul Fleischman. Older children can learn and play online at sites such as Eek!, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources̵7; electronic magazine. Designed for children in grades four through eight, Eek! contains articles on recycling, clean water and preserving animal habitat. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency̵7;s Kids Site offers games and articles about climate change, conservation and renewable energy sources.

    Clean Up

    • The next time you go to park for a play date or to take a walk, bring two garbage bags along. Use one bag to collect and dispose of any trash and debris you encounter. Use the other bag to collect recyclable objects, such as cans and bottles. PBS Kids suggests that children ̶0;adopt̶1; a neighborhood corner or an area in the park and work to keep the space clean.

    Volunteer

    • Volunteering for an environmental cause can demonstrate the value of service and introduce children to other like-minded kids within your community. The whole family can join in an international cleanup effort. Each September, for example, the Ocean Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that focuses on cleaner beaches, sustainable fishing and slowing global warming, sponsors International Coastal Cleanup Day. More than half a million people from over 100 countries join in this event, which entails picking up trash from beaches and waterways. Volunteers also record data about each piece of debris collected. This helps identify the sources of pollution and allows the organization to work for policy change.

    Recycle

    • Children can help reduce waste by recycling and reusing objects in their homes and at school. Make recycling easy by setting up a home recycling bin right next to your kitchen trash can. Children can decorate the bin with pictures of recyclable items like cans, paper, glass and certain plastics. Older children can petition their schools to start a recycling program, if one doesn̵7;t already exist.

    Reduce

    • A simple step such as turning off the water while your brushing teeth can develop into a lifelong, earth-friendly habit.

      Children can reduce waste and help the environment through simple actions that seem small but add up over time. Conserve water by turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, take a shower instead of a bath, and limit the length of your showers. Save trees by packing a lunch box instead of a paper bag, and use both sides of a piece of paper when drawing or writing. Use less electricity by turning off lights in empty rooms and unplugging games and appliances when not in use. Consume less by wearing hand-me-downs or shopping at consignment stores, instead of buying new clothes.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Facts About Media Violence
      It is important that parents and caregivers monitor what their child is watching. Violence is often seen in the movies, television and video games that children use for entertainment. Knowing about media violence can enable a parent or caregiver to f
    • How to Help Children Cope With Death
      Death touches everyone at some point, whether it’s the death of a pet, a relative, a friend or classmate. Parents may wish to shelter their children from the pain of loss, but young people must learn to cope with death. You can help your kids d
    • How to Deal With Back Talk From Children
      Children sometimes use back talk as a way to get your attention, but young kids also talk rudely when words fail to convey their feelings or emotions, according to Dr. Judith A. Myers-Wells, human development specialist and instructor at Purdue Unive