Our planet’s alarm is going off, and it is time to wake up and take action!

 – Leonardo DiCaprio

Tips to Teach Your Children about the Environment

Children must develop a sense of respect and care for the environment during their first few years of life. Positive interactions with the planet are an important part of healthy child development, and these interactions enhance learning and the quality of life over the span of one’s lifetime.

Lead by Example

Let them learn through experience rather than teaching. Use reusable bags to grocery shop. Spend your weekends outside. Recycle.

Recycle

Teach children to use the appropriate receptacle for their waste: reduce, reduce, reduce, reuse, reuse and recycle as much as you can. 

We utilize a dual receptacle at home or trash and recycling. When Harper (our toddler) is done with an item of trash or recycling, my husband and I guide her to the proper receptacle. When the trash men come on Wednesdays, she watches the trash get poured into the trucks.

Make Better Choices

Gondola Toothbrush-Plastic never goes away and the Gondola Bamboo Toothbrush is made from 95% biodegradable sources.

The Gondola Bamboo toothbrush idea was born after the family of the founder decided to change their lifestyle, consume unprocessed organic food and reduce the use of non-degradable or recyclable materials. Later, the family decided on a lifelong transition that emphasizes recycling and environmental protection.

Re-play– In our house, we only use Re-play for our toddler. We love it because it’s made with only recyclable material and made in the United States. It is even dishwasher safe and microwavable safe. They come in a variety of colors for bowls, plates, cups, utensils, and so much more.

Other Great Eco-Friendly Products to Try

“We can all take small steps toward reducing our environmental footprint.“

Rothy’s Shoes– Single-use water bottles have become an environmental plague. Shoe company Rothy transforms them into stylish, and environmentally friendly, flats, loafers, and sneakers, with styles geared for women and kids. Even the boxes the shoes shop in are made from 100% recyclables.

Use my code for $20 off your first order https://share.rothys.com/x/pKQCav 

H&M’s Conscious Collection– To for the conscious collection, a product must contain at least 50% sustainable materials, such as organic cotton and recycled polyester — but many of their garments contain more than that.

”Big change requires bold actions and the courage to aim high. At the same time, we have to be humble to the challenges our planet is facing. So if we want to make real change we have to be brave, push the boundaries and not be afraid to fail”

Anna Gedda, Head of Sustainability, H&M Group

Glass Food Containers such a Pyrex-They are oven, microwave, and freezer-safe. Move away from plastic. Buy glass.

Seventh Generation Products-Utilize recycled packaging, plant-based formulas, offer ingredient transparency and fight for climate justice and equity.

Reusable Bags such as Rume– Launched on Earth Day, Colorado-based RuMe, short for ReUseMe, designs consumer products that deliver on the growing needs of environmentally conscious consumers who don’t want to sacrifice style and functionality for sustainability. They provide functional products designed to make life a little easier, eco-friendly solutions to help you care about what you carry, and bright, fun patterns to bring color and cheer to your day.

Reusable Coffee Cups such as Yeti-I found a great article in Forbes about Saving the Earth, One Coffee Cup at a Time. You can also use a Hydroflask. I love the 30-32 oz glasses.

Stainless Steel Water Bottles-This is huge!! Stop buying plastic water bottles. Bring a stainless steel water bottle with you to the park, work, grocery shopping, etc.

Teach Them to Turn it Off

When you are out of the room, your toys don’t need the lights on. Remind your kids when you are turning the lights off and why. Turn off the water when he or she is brushing teeth. Implement these habits right from the beginning.

Donate Clothes and Toys You Don’t Wear Anymore

Take your kids with you when you donate to make them aware of the people in need while keeping more items out of the landfill.

Take Your Kids Outside

Get outside as much a possible. Provide ongoing, simple experiences with the grass, trees, and insects in environments close to home or school. Take them on walks, hikes, and outings to the lake or ocean. Allow them to climb trees, look at bugs, and admire wildlife. Encourage their interest and questions and foster their appreciation

Children are our future. Every generation must be better than the last. Each small, sustainable change makes an impact. 

XOXO
Mackenzie

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