Saving the Earth for the future is something we must all try to do in our own ways. And while your kids may be too young to truly contribute towards this cause, it’s important to remember that certain habits and skills are best learned in their childhood. Here are a few such skills and habits that will not only help them save mother Earth in their own small way, but also help them to become responsible adults.
Everything You Put On Your Plate Should End Up In Your Stomach
Food waste should be a big no-no for your family. Instead of lecturing them about the importance of avoiding waste, try to make it a simple habit to finish whatever they serve on their plate; a rule of the house. Teach them the importance of listening to their stomach by encouraging them to pause between dishes. One other way to teach children responsibility towards food is to travel with them to less fortunate parts of the world.
Make Saving Electricity A Habit
Like washing your hands after using the toilet, saving electricity too should come naturally for your children. Give them the responsibility of turning off any switch they may turn on. Once this habit is formed, you’ll find them naturally being aware of saving electricity. With older children, this habit may be a little tougher to drum in. Consider giving them a “penalty” if they waste electricity; like limiting their TV/laptop time or taking away their phone’s charger for the day. This will definitely make them a little more aware of electricity waste.
Living A Minimalistic Life Makes Things Easier
This is something you’ll have to show them by example. Living a minimalistic life will definitely help to avoid wastage of materials and space; so avoid over buying or hoarding things. Have a limited number of clothing that you use well and discard once you’re done with; instead of having a closetful of clothes that you rarely wear. Be responsible about how you discard your unwanted clothing as well; donating it to the needy whenever possible.
Organic Clothing, Swapping And Hand-Me-Downs Should Be Part Of The Norm
As much as buying new clothes is the norm in your family, consider making wearing hand-me-downs, swapping clothes and shopping at second-hand shops the norm as well. Of course, you must always consider only the hygienic means and sources for this. Whenever possible, it’s also a great idea to opt for sustainable and organic clothing. Clothing made out of organic cotton, for example, is made out of cotton free of pesticides and chemicals¾causing the least damage to nature while being made.
Cooking Your Own Food Makes It Easier To Avoid Unnecessary Wastage
Thanks to how hectic our lives tend to be, most of us have developed a bad habit of eating out and ordering in for almost all our meals. As a result, there’s a lot of food getting wasted; and money overspent. Teach your children culinary skills so that they may not only save and be more responsible towards food, but also be more aware of what it is that they eat.
