In the Know: 9 Daily Changes to Help Introduce Your Kids to Sustainability
IN THE KNOW
9 Daily Changes to Help Introduce Your Kids to Sustainability
As we get ready to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, 2020, we are reminded that even in these strange times, we can make some changes in our day-to-day routines to live a more sustainable lifestyle. It’s never too early to start!
It is not difficult to see that there is a greater need now more than ever to protect what we have from further ruin for future generations. As a parent, teaching your children to respect and appreciate the Earth is one of the most important jobs we have. Sustainability can take many forms but when we think about reducing the harmful impact of the choices that we make daily, the suggestions out there can be overwhelming. Just like with the other things we want to teach our children, they are watching what we say and what we do.
We’ve put together 9 things you can do together on the daily to help live a more green and sustainable life.
Bring your own reusable bags when shopping.
This is a great opportunity to practice what you preach. If you happen to forget yours, opt for a paper bag. This way you can show your kids that they can get more than one use out of a bag. If that choice is not available and there is aren't too many things to carry, use your hands!
Carry sustainable snack and drink containers, as well as non-plastic straws.
This is an easy way to start because snacks and drinks are essential and it will get the habit ball rolling with these things we use everyday. One of our favourite brand's is Stasher.
Read books with them about what things they can do to be sustainable.
Talk to your kids about what they can do and what they are interested in to help the planet because it makes the world of difference! Our Retykle Ambassador’s have some great recommendations for books on the subject here.
Wash clothes only when they are dirty.
Get into the habit of washing items only when they really need it. Teaching our kids to know when an item is in need of washing will help conserve water and electricity as well as reduce the amount of microfibers that break off each time a piece of clothing is washed.
Dry clothes outside.
This is another great lesson on conserving energy and treating what we already have with care so that they last as long as they can.
Clean Up.
Teach your kids to pick up after themselves and deposit waste in the right area. They should always know that littering is wrong.
Mend things together.
In the throwaway culture we live in be a revolutionary. When clothing shows signs of wear, mend them! Sew over a hole, replace a button, or a zip. Work to get that stain out! We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to mending here.
Take a Walk.
Use public transport, take the stairs, or walk to where you need to go if you can to help reduce your family's carbon footprint.
Retykle.
For your little ones, you can go through their things together. For the older ones, task them with sorting their outgrown treasures into what they will keep, donate, and Retykle.
What are some daily habit changes you are your family have adopted to make your lifestyle greener and more sustainable? Let us know is the comments section below. Happy Earth Day!
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