Placing Sustainability in the Hands of Children

Children are quickly gaining eco awareness and are in many cases educating their parents. Given access to and experience with sustainability concepts, children often take the lead on green living ideas. Why not give them the sustainability tools they need?

With summer is coming to an end, the kids will soon be back in school. Take this as an opportunity to expand your children’s eco awareness and introduce some concepts of sustainable living as they head into a new year of learning.

Going back to school can be an exciting time for both parents and children. It is a time of renewal and discovery, as you visit the stores to load up on the supplies needed for the coming school year. It can also be a great way to introduce your family to some fun sustainable alternatives.

As a green living consultant, I most often speak with adults about incorporating sustainability concepts into their daily lives. Here are a few tips to raise eco awareness at home while ‘greening’ your back to school:

    · Parents take the time to teach your children about sustainable living.
    · Children educate your parents on green choices.
    · Use as many of last year's school supplies as possible.
    · Seek out recyclable canvas and cardboard binders instead of plastic.
    · Promote the use of recycled paper.
    · Use reusable water bottles instead of plastic.
    · Use a lunch box, not paper bags.
    · Reuse or donate last year's clothes instead of throwing them away.
    · Reuse your backpack. Decorate it with cool patches.
    · Buy local and organic food for lunches.
    · Turn your computer off when you're not using it.
    · Carpool with friends and neighbors daily to school and to school functions.
    · If you live close, ride your bike or walk to school.

As a personal consultant to individuals seeking a more sustainable lifestyle, I encourage parents and children to continually evaluate alternatives in all areas of life. A large part of building a personal sustainability plan for your family includes choosing options and products that are good for both the environment as well as your personal well being. Take this new school year as an opportunity to expand the thinking of your children and to explore alternatives which promote a more sustainable lifestyle.