By Paige McInnes (Founder of Little Change Creators)
By showing them how to be responsible and kind to the environment, we're giving them the power to make a positive impact. So, let's dive into some fun and practical tips for raising eco-conscious kids who’ll grow up to be environmental superheroes!
Lead the Way
Kids learn by watching us, so let's be eco-role models! Show them how to recycle, conserve energy and water, and choose eco-friendly toys. Make it a family habit to reduce waste and be mindful of our impact on the planet. Trust me, your actions speak louder than words!
Explore the Environment
Nature is a wonderful teacher, so let's take our kids on outdoor adventures! Explore parks, gardens, and other natural places. Go hiking, have picnics, and get hands-on with gardening. By connecting with nature, we help our children develop a deep appreciation for the beauty around them and a desire to protect it.
Embrace the 3Rs
Reduce, reuse, and recycle - these three amigos are the keys to eco-friendly living! Teach your little ones about the importance of minimising waste and being resourceful – you can can even use toys to teach kids about sustainability! Encourage them to use reusable items, get creative with recycled materials, and separate recyclables. You'll be amazed at how quickly they catch on!
Make Mindful Choices
Let's teach our kids to think before they buy! Help them understand the impact of their choices on the environment. Talk about sustainable clothing, locally sourced food, and products with planet-friendly packaging. By making conscious decisions, they'll learn that their actions can make a big difference.
Love Food and Water
Food and water are precious resources, so let's appreciate them! Involve your kids in meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking. Show them how to avoid food waste and why it's important to save water. You could even start a small herb garden or veggie patch together to teach them where food comes from. Yum!
Power Down for the Planet
Energy is valuable, so let's use it wisely! Teach your kids simple ways to save energy, like turning off lights when leaving a room, and unplugging electronics. Talk about renewable energy and how it helps our planet. You could even create a family challenge to see who can save the most energy. Game on!
Join Forces in the Community
Let's get involved in local environmental projects and lend a helping hand! Encourage your kids to join beach clean-ups, tree-planting events, or other conservation activities. By working together as a family and with our community, we show them that even small actions can create big positive changes.
Tackling Paper Waste and Toy Disposal
In our journey to raise eco-conscious kids, we can’t overlook a couple of the biggest environmental issues related to raising kids: paper waste and toy disposal.
Recent research by the Australian Toy Association shows that 220 million toys are sold in Australia each year and, of these toys, 51% are thrown out as waste within 12 months of purchase! So, here's a nifty idea that tackles both toy clutter and paper waste: Re-FUN-able™ Colouring Sets*.
Re-FUN-able™ Colouring Sets are a sustainable alternative to colouring books. Each set includes a double-sided silicone colouring mat and a rainbow of child-safe markers, providing endless creative fun for kids and kids-at-heart. Simply wipe the mat clean to reuse, again and again!
Parents love the versatility of Re-FUN-able™ Colouring Sets as they’re perfect for travel, dining out and giving mums and dads some peace and quiet! The intricate illustrations captivate kids for hours and the dishwasher-safe surface is ideal for crafts, games, messy play and mealtimes. Re-FUN-able™ Colouring Sets really are a game-changer for keeping kid’s boredom at bay, in a sustainable and screen-free way!
Through making simple changes, like finding alternatives that can be used repeatedly, we can show our kids the importance of reducing waste and making mindful choices. It's all about integrating eco-friendly practices into our daily lives in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.
Make Sustainable Living Habits Part of Everyday Life with Kids
Teaching our kids about sustainable living is one of the most important things we can do to ensure a healthy future for them. Making sustainable living habits part of everyday life can help them understand the importance of being eco-friendly and why it's crucial to preserve our planet.
From buying eco-friendly toys to reducing waste, there are plenty of ways parents can encourage their kids to make more sustainable choices, such as:
School Lunches - Replace disposable plastic sandwich bags with reusable silicone bags or eco-friendly vegan food wraps. These alternatives are washable and can be used over and over again, reducing plastic waste.
Transport – Instead of relying on ‘Mum’s Taxi’, choose earth-friendly options like walking or riding bikes. Not only is it better for the environment, but it's also a great way to get exercise and spend quality time together as a family.
Conclusion
By raising eco-conscious kids, we're nurturing a generation of environmental superheroes who’ll protect our planet for years to come. So, let’s lead the way, teach them about nature, and instil simple, sustainable habits that empower them to be changemakers.
Together, we can make a positive impact on the planet and create a future where sustainability is second nature. Let's get creative and keep our planet smiling!
* Special reader offer
Little Change Creators is offering the Diminish community 20% off all Re-FUN-able™ Colouring Sets. These versatile and reusable sets are perfect for entertaining kids at home or on-the-go and make thoughtful, eco-friendly gifts for kids. Use code DIMINISH20 at checkout to save!
Shop now at www.littlechangecreators.com
^ Excludes value packs and bundles.
About the Author:
Paige McInnes is the founder of award-winning kids’ brand, Little Change Creators. As a former police artist and designer for IKEA, Paige developed the brand as a passion project to entertain her kids on-the-go.
Little Change Creators' colourful and sustainable activity sets inspire creativity and kindness in kids while also supporting several children's charities, including Little Dreamers Australia, Ronald McDonald House and Queensland Children’s Hospital. In 2022, Little Change Creators was named an Australia Post Local Business Hero.
Find fun, eco-friendly gifts for kids at Little Change Creators!
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