Kids Can Go Green

By: Mikkah Sorrells

IIt’s not just adults who should be thinking about going green – kids should, too. After all, it’s good to start and break certain habits when kids are young by setting getting examples for them. They may or may not carry good habits into adulthood, but that doesn’t mean setting healthy, eco-friendly examples for them is a waste of time.

With school starting recently, it’s a good time to start, whether by buying environmentally friendly products or teaching them small ways to go green at home. Sometimes, they might pass these ideas on to their own friends. Here are several ways in which children can be eco-friendly.

1. Eating habits. Instead of buying processed snacks and foods that come in plastic packaging, parents can teach their kids to opt for fruits and vegetables. Help them develop preferences for healthier foods. Basically, parents can kill two birds with one stone – it’s healthier for them and for the environment. It’s one more way to keep a little less waste out of a landfill.
2. Buy eco-friendly school supplies. Showing kids how to shop green is another good way to set a positive example. There are many places where parents can buy recycled notebook paper, pencils and even biodegradable pens. It might cost a little bit more, but in the end it’s worth it.
3. Conserve energy. The basics! Teach kids to turn off lights and the television when they leave a room, to turn off the water in the bathroom while they’re brushing their teeth, and to limit the time they spend in the shower. Cut down on dishwasher use and wash the dishes by hand more often.
4. Don’t drive them to school. Keep your car off the street for a bit longer. Leave early so you can walk with them or have them learn to ride their bikes. Show them how to cross streets safely, to look both ways before stepping into the street and to obey the cross walk. Walking in the morning can be refreshing and you all might feel a bit more energized throughout the day.
5. Turn off the television. Turn that television off to cut energy costs a little. Instead of playing video games or watching TV on warm days after school, send your kids outside more often. Read a new book or work on puzzle – there are many good ways to keep oneself occupied while the TV is off.
6. Recycle. Last, but certainly not least! Show kids how to separate metal, paper and plastic and take it to your local recycling center and show them how it’s done. They’ll pick it up in no time!

Not only should adults learn how to live more green, but it’s always a good idea to teach kids to do the same. Living green isn’t hard, it’s just a matter of learning how to do it. Once they learn, your kids will have no problem at all!