How to Teach Kids to be Eco Friendly

Even the youngest members of the family can make a positive impact on the environment with a little help from mom and dad. Being eco-friendly starts at home by using resources wisely. Ease your child into going green by giving him age-appropriate tasks that benefit the Earth. Over time, you may notice he comes up with his own ways to protect the environment and to spread the environmentally friendly vibe to his peers.

Instructions

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      Test your own green knowledge by analyzing your habits. Things like recycling, reducing waste, conserving water and energy, limiting chemical use and buying local are easy ways to families to protect the environment. Make changes to your habits so you model a green way of life for your child.

    • 2

      Discuss the need for protecting the environment with your child. Talk about how pollution and waste harm limited resources on the Earth. Brainstorm ways he can conserve and protect resources in his everyday life.

    • 3

      Conduct an experiment at home to show how pollution affects the environment. Gather litter found in the neighborhood. Put it in a jar of water and watch how the trash turns the water dirty and mucky. Use the experiment as a discussion about how our actions affect the environment.

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      Assign your child specific eco-friendly tasks around the house, such as recycling, tending the garden and making sure lights are shut off when not in use. Give the chores creative names, such as Power Saver Patrol, to get him excited to do the work.

    • 5

      Point out behaviors that don't fit into the green way of life. Say, "Oops! You left the water running while brushing your teeth. We need to shut the water off when we're not using it so we don't waste it."

    • 6

      Join in as a family with community efforts, such as park cleanup days. Plan your own green activities in the neighborhood if you can't find any organized events. Encourage your child to help with the planning and coordination of the event.

    • 7

      Leave the car at home when possible. Walk or bike to school or other activities with your child. Tell him how the simple action reduces emissions and conserves fossil fuels since you use less gas.

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