Learning how to care for and respect the planet that we live on is an important lesson for all children to learn.
There's a wide variety of activities parents can do with their children that will not only teach them how to live a "greener" life, but will also encourage them to be more considerate of their planet.
1. Explore the great outdoors together: Through exploring nature, children are better able to gain an appreciation of the world around them. A nature walk can give you the opportunity to teach your children about life cycles and natural habitats. Find out what animals live in your area and teach your children about them. Write out a list of items you can search for on your walk and make the activity into a fun game.
2. Use Eco Bucks: Eco Bucks can be given out, much like an allowance, for every eco-friendly activity your child does. At the end of the month those dollars can be donated to the environmentally friendly charity of your child's choice.
3. Read Green: Buy one of the many eco-conscious books on the market such as William is Going Green by James Martin II; My Bag and Me by Karen Farmer; How One Little Polar Bear Captivated the World by Juliana, Isabella and Craig Hatkoff; and Michael Recycle by Ellie Bethel
4. Grow an indoor herb garden: Get their little fingers dirty by showing them how to grow their own indoor garden. Ask them what herbs they would like to eat and then let them go to the store and pick out seeds. Explain how a plant's life cycle works and teach them about the importance of nurturing their garden. When their garden is ready to be harvested, teach them healthy ways to prepare the herbs and allow them to cook a few recipes.
5. Reduce your carbon footprint: Calculate your environmental footprint together by using the online calculator at www.conservationfund.org. Let your children type the numbers into the calculator and then discuss what your "carbon footprint" means. Come up with ways you can all help to reduce your environmental impact. Plan a Carbon Footprint Challenge where you spend the month living more eco-friendly. After the month is over see if you've reduced your footprint.
6. Make some paper: Paper making is an easy way to recycle used paper and is very eco-friendly. Invite a few of your children's friends over to have a paper-making party. Let children choose different patterns and designs for their paper, and teach them about the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling.
7. Go bird watching: Try identifying birds in your neighbourhood. Once you have figured out which birds are which, go online and do a little research. Find out what type of nests they live in and what kind of food they eat, then build your very own bird house and bird feeder. This will teach children the importance of caring for and respecting the animals.
8. Pick up litter: Put on gloves and walking shoes, and take the kids out to pick up garbage in your area. Teach them how important it is to clean up after themselves and dispose of garbage in the appropriate places.
9. Plant a tree: Trees are a simple and inexpensive way to help better the planet and fight climate change. Research what trees grow best in your area, and then let your child pick one to plant. Explain to them how trees clean the air, store carbon, increase wildlife habitats, provide shade and prevent flooding.
10. Get the Buzz: Help the diminishing insects by planting the flowers they love. Plant bee and butterfly-friendly flowers in the spring and watch them come calling in the summer. Teach your children about the importance of these insects and the role they play in pollination and how without them, we would not be able to raise the crops that provide our food.
