Kids and Climate Change

I The fact is, climate change is real. And it is our kids that are going to face the mess we along with previous generations are leaving behind.

So how can you as a parent, teach your children the value of activism and taking personal responsibility to combat climate change?

Here are ten ways that you can involve your children in climate change activism and teach them how to recycle and reuse.

Volunteer

There are beach cleans, lake cleanups and urban cleanups most weekends nationwide and they are usually kid friendly. Organizations like the Surfrider Foundation have local chapters that host cleans and events.  A clean up will help you and your child understand firmly that there really is no such thing as “away” and that single use is not responsible.

Reduce Single Use Plastics

Teach by example with the use of reusable coffee mugs and water canteens. Get your children ones of their own. They can decorate them and put their names on them.

And remind them why you use them. That will help them feel personal responsibility to take their canteen with them. It will save you money on drinks and could even curb the purchase of sugary sweet beverages. And remember to give them personal utensils and reusable straws for their lunches.

Teach Them How To recycle

By identifying what to recycle and going to the recycle depot with you, they will learn good habits. And it will help both you and your children realize how much further you have to go to be more sustainable. The less you have to recycle the better. So set goals for your family.

Make Vacations Teachable Moments

There are many eco destinations and eco tours available worldwide. So consider taking your children on a vacation that provides climate lessons and helps them understand compassion for Mother Earth and all its species.

Summarize The News

There is nothing harder for a parent than having to give your kids bad news. However, it is important that your kids hear from you first and foremost, what is happening with the planet and what they can do to be good citizens of the earth.  And there are great books that help teach children about climate change. 

 

 

Buy Reusable Goods

Show your kids that nothing needs to go to waste by purchasing reusable clothes, buying consigned clothes and toys and other household items. Remind them how much more helpful these purchases are, because they were recycled and reused.

Donate Goods

Teach your kids not to discard toys and things they no longer treasure. And to donate them instead.

Take Eco Transportation

If you can avoid flying and driving, you are helping the environment. So take trains, and subways and show your kids how good for the earth public transport can be.

Ride Bikes Together

Make it a family affair. Instead of driving to the local mall to purchase things no-one needs and dine in a food court with single use plastics everywhere, pack an eco healthy lunch and go ride a bike. Additional exercise is so important, so know that you are presenting your kids  with a dual benefit when you suggest bike riding.

Participate in Meatless Meals

You don’t have to become vegan to make a difference. Every meatless dish counts towards combatting climate change. So meal plan with your children. They may just eat more vegetables if you tell them it’s for mother earth and the animals!

Be A Brave Parent

By holding yourself and your kids personally accountable for their climate future, you make them more sustainable today.