Stacy Kinney

Imagine this. You are in the grocery store, kids in tow, filling up the cart and making good time. Just a few more items and you’ll be able to check this task off your long to-do list. As you reach for a case of bottled water you hear a tiny voice say,

“Bottled water is bad for the Earth.”

You look down the grocery aisle but quickly realize that the statement came, not from some militant environmentalist standing by, but from your eight year old who is staring at you with wide innocent eyes.

You ask them to explain what they are talking about and, to your surprise, you are given a litany of facts about how only 2 in 10 plastic bottles are ever recycled (the rest find homes in landfills) and how when plastic degrades, it leaches dangerous chemicals into the ground and water.

Needless to say you are shocked that you’ve just been schooled by your child on the environmental dangers of bottled water.

Think this scenario is farfetched? Think again. Children as young as 4 and 5 are now getting a green education as school teachers add environmental awareness to the program. A recent poll by book publishing company Scholastic showed that out of 2754 children a whopping 56% stated global warming as the issue most important to them.

Teaching kids to be green can be a challenge but with patience and a little creativity, you can raise environmentally aware children who care for the Earth.

Young Children

Young children may not be able to understand the environmental issues facing us today but even toddlers can learn some basic green habits. Start with recycling. For better or worse, children learn by watching what you do so let them observe you separating the trash into the different recycling containers. You can start with an explanation of the different types of materials and where they go. As they get older, you can further explain why it is important to recycle.

Another easy area to start instilling good green habits is teaching them how to conserve resources. Get them used to turning out lights when they leave a room. Make it a habit for them to fill a glass with water to use to rinse their mouth out after brushing their teeth rather than leave the faucet running.

Older Children

When children are old enough to start helping around the house, you can get them excited about being green with a little kitchen chemistry. Show them how to make an all purpose cleaning solution out of vinegar (50%) and water (50%). You can also make a furniture polish using 1 cup of olive oil and ½ cup of lemon juice. Something kids might find especially fun is to shred a whole lemon (or orange) peel in the garbage disposal to clean it.

Preteens and Teens

As children become increasing mobile and self-sufficient, you can encourage them to expand their green efforts beyond the home. Get them involved in local environmental projects such as planting trees and cleaning up local parks. For driving teens that may be looking to purchase their first car, steer them towards hybrid and electric cars as well as teach them the value of carpooling with friends.

It’s never too early or too late to start instilling good eco-friendly habits in kids. You can even show them how to run a green business with your own Earth-friendly company that earns you money while helping you save the environment. For more information on this groundbreaking opportunity, visit RockYourBusinessOnline.com.

(photo credit: D Sharon Pruitt)

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