going green

5 Easy “Going Green” Tips for Kids

When we were kids, we played in the dirt all the time. We got our hands dirty and played with bugs. Kids today are more inclined to stay clean, inside the house. Instead, encourage your kids to get out and get their hands dirty. Teach them to enjoy all of God’s creation by getting out there and experiencing it firsthand.

We live in a consumer society and, unfortunately, we aren’t always aware of the negative impact this has on the world in which we live. We are so consumption oriented that we sometimes show a lack of respect for the very world which was created to support our lives.

This is what going green is all about; it is about respect for God’s creation. We want our kids to respect others, things, and even animals. To really respect God’s creation, you have to experience it. Getting outside and getting dirty with your kids and family is one way to get a real appreciation of all of the wonderful things around us, which God has created for us to live. To help you get started, here are 5 easy “going green” tips for kids:

1. Conserve.

Change activities around your house. Turn off lights when not in use. Conserve water while brushing your teeth. Turn off the technology more and do more non-digital family activities.

2. Minimize waste.

Many times we use something once, or half use it, then throw it away. Getting full use out of everything, and finding alternative uses, is an excellent way to go green. The things which have no further use can then be recycled.

3. Grow Something Green.

In addition to growing healthier food, grow something green. A garden can be overwhelming, but a couple herb pots is not. If you are ambitious, start a garden. If not so much, get a few herb pots and let your kids water them. Starting a garden helps protect air and water quality when pesticides are not used.

4. Drive less, bike more.

We own two vehicles and sometimes make multiple trips, or use multiple cars, when one will do. Plan car rides in advance. For those that live in an area that is friendly to walking or bike riding, choose to walk or ride versus hopping in the car all the time.

5. Bring your own bags to the grocery.

On a typical grocery store visit, a minimum of five small plastic bags are used. Many grocery stores sell bags which can be used over and over again. This is a great way to reduce the waste created by thousands of bags which are used for a 15-minute drive home.

What’s your favorite food? Do you know where it comes from?

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