Raising eco kids isn’t just a trend, it’s a necessity in our increasingly polluted world. What if protecting the environment wasn’t optional, but something everyone does? Here are tips for cultivating this mindset in your kids from an early age.
Here’s a secret: kids are natural-born environmentalists. They watch in awe a butterfly flying around the garden and burst into giggles, staring at a colorful ladybug. This innate love for nature is the perfect starting point to nurture your child’s love for the planet and empower them to make a difference. Building a greener future starts right at home, with you and your little one.
Start small, but start now
You don’t need a complete lifestyle overhaul. Tiny changes, consistently applied, have a big impact. Lead by example. When you expose your kids to eco-friendly choices at home, they are more likely to adopt them as part of their lifestyle later on. Here are some small changes you can make today:
- Ditch plastic: Invest in reusable shopping bags, water bottles and travel utensils instead of using plastic disposable ones. Pack reusable containers for lunches and snacks. They might seem more expensive but will save you money in the long run.
- Preserve water: Teach your kids to turn off the faucet while brushing their teeth or applying soap in the shower.
- Turn off lights: Before bed, create a lights-out routine. Together, turn off lights in empty rooms and unplug unused devices. Before you know it, this nightly ritual will become second nature for your kids, saving energy and maybe a few bucks on the electricity bill.
- Donate items your kids outgrow: Instead of throwing away gently used clothes, books and toys your kids quickly outgrow, pass them along to friends or neighbors. Nextdoor is a great app for keeping those items out of the landfill and into the hands of happy new owners.
- Sort trash together: Get your kids involved in sorting trash and learning what goes in which bin. Consider setting up a compost bin in your backyard to show kids how food scraps can be transformed into nutrient-rich soil for gardening.
“Instilling important values in my children begins with leading by example. I’ve found success involving my kids in every aspect of our lifestyle, from tending to our garden and raising animals to repurposing materials for DIY projects.”
— Jessica Haggard, Primal Edge Health
Encourage the love of nature
There’s a reason why kids love splashing in puddles and digging in the dirt. Nature is a giant playground waiting to be explored. Foster your kids’ curiosity by turning everyday outings into eco-adventures. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon exploring the flora and fauna. Let your kids be nature detectives — see who can find the biggest leaf, the silliest-looking bug or the tallest tree.
Point out different plants and animals and discuss the importance of preserving natural habitats. By fostering a connection with nature, you can instill a deep love for the environment in your kids.
Eat green
Food is another area where eco-conscious choices can make a significant impact. Teach your kids about the benefits of eating locally sourced, organic and plant-based healthy foods. Take them to farmers’ markets to learn about seasonal produce and support local farmers. Get them involved in cooking meals using fresh ingredients and show them how to minimize food waste by meal planning and using leftovers creatively.
Plant a small garden together — growing your own food is a fun and educational activity that teaches kids about food production and reduces transportation-related carbon emissions. Your kids will be amazed to see a tiny seed transform into a juicy tomato or a vibrant sunflower. From watering them regularly to pulling pesky weeds, the act of nurturing these plants teaches valuable lessons about responsibility and the cycle of life. The ultimate reward? They get to enjoy the fruits and veggies of their labor, fostering a connection between the food they eat and the care it takes to grow it.
Empower to take action
Eco-consciousness is about more than just sorting trash. It’s about taking action to protect the planet. Empower your child to make a difference by getting involved in environmental initiatives. Join local clean-up events, participate in tree planting activities or support wildlife conservation projects. Encourage them to voice their concerns about environmental issues and advocate for positive change in their communities. Teach kids that their actions matter and that they have the power to create positive change.
One last thing
Raising eco kids is about helping kids connect with nature, weave green habits into everyday life and feel empowered to take action toward a more sustainable future. Connect with other eco-minded parents. Organize neighborhood clean-up days or swap used clothes and toys. The power of community makes a difference and every small action adds up.
Tamara Tsaturyan is the owner and writer of Thriving In Parenting, a website focused on providing simple tips for busy parents — easy and healthy recipes, home decor and organization ideas and all things parenting.