| Kids are fun. They get excited about many of the | | | | gadgets really isn't necessary. |
| things you can teach them as a parent, especially | | | | It's a hard lesson, especially when so much around |
| when they're little. Take the time to get them | | | | them teaches consumerism, but this is one of the |
| started on some early green steps to help them | | | | most important green lessons you can give a |
| learn to respect the environment. | | | | child. It has the chance to reduce their |
| 1. Teach them about the environment. | | | | consumption for life. |
| Kids can't learn to love the environment if they're | | | | Don't forget to show them the wonderful things |
| always sheltered from it. Go on family nature | | | | that can be bought from resale and thrift shops. |
| walks, garden, go camping and just generally have | | | | They might be delighted with how much more |
| fun in nature as a family. Teach them how much | | | | you can afford when they get something from |
| fun there is to be had without computers, | | | | such stores. |
| constant texting and watching television. | | | | 4. Teach them to reduce, reuse, recycle. |
| 2. Teach them to clean up litter. | | | | In order, of course. Understanding why "reduce, |
| When you're out and about, don't forget a bag to | | | | reuse, recycle" is in the order it's in matters. |
| clean up any litter you come across. You can | | | | Reduce I've already covered in some ways with |
| bring gloves if you're going to get serious about | | | | teaching simplicity. If you keep things simple, you |
| your cleanup efforts so that you don't get too | | | | consume less. |
| dirty. | | | | Reuse can be a lot of fun for kids. Just think of all |
| But even casually picking up a single piece of litter | | | | the crafts they can make with reused items. |
| you come across is a good example. Talk about | | | | Recycling is a skill that can be taught pretty |
| the damage litter does to the natural environment | | | | young, especially if your area has a good recycling |
| and make sure your kids don't casually drop trash | | | | program. Kids can learn that paper, glass and |
| themselves. If they do, make sure they clean it | | | | metal go in the recycle bin very early, and to ask |
| up and remind them of why you don't litter. | | | | for other discarded items. |
| 3. Teach simplicity. | | | | The best you can do won't guarantee that your |
| Don't buy the latest, greatest, hottest toys and | | | | children will live by your values their entire lives, |
| clothes out there. Teach your kids to value being | | | | but the younger you start the more likely they |
| themselves over being trendy. Teach them that | | | | are to try. |
| replacing perfectly good toys or electronic | | | | |