Green Parenting: Going Green with Your Kids

In today's environmentally-conscious world, the term "green" is everywhere. But if you have kids, the thought of adding green to your day may make your head spin. If you think that it consists of a dramatic lifestyle change, not to worry. Even the smallest things can add up to a large boost for the environment. Follow these simple steps and you'll be well on your way to an Earth-friendly household.

Many people say to go green for your children. After all, they will inherit the world in which we now live. Equally important is to go green with your children. If your kids are involved with your efforts to be more environmentally friendly, they will be more likely to form positive habits that they will carry with them into adulthood. Make sure they are aware of what you are trying to accomplish in your household and allow them to have a part in the project.

The first step toward going green is to cut down on the waste in your household. Take a look at what you are throwing in your trash can. All of this will end up in an already-full landfill. Cut down on the amount that you throw away by starting a recycling station. To get started, all you need are a few large plastic totes. Place one tote near your trash can in your kitchen. Place the other totes in your garage or in a place where there's plenty of room. The number of totes depends on the type of recyclables that you have. Glass, plastic, steel cans, and cardboard are all common materials ending up in household trash that can be easily recycled. Label each container with the type of recyclable that goes in it. Once your set-up is complete, recycling is a breeze. Simply place any recyclable material in the large tote by your trashcan. When it is full, carry it to your garage (or wherever you decided to put your recycling station), and separate each item into its corresponding container. If you have cardboard, break down the boxes so that they lay flat and take up less room in the container. Make sure you include your children in this step or, better yet, make the sorting process their responsibility. Take your totes to the local recycling station or put them out by the curb if your town offers recycling pickup. You'll be surprised at how much this small step cuts down on your household trash!

Next, be aware of disposable items that you use every day. Replace as many of these as possible with permanent items. For example, how do you pack your child's lunch? Do you use plastic baggies for sandwiches, chips, etc? Instead, purchase a flat, plastic container made for sandwiches. There are a variety of reusable containers in your local department or grocery store that are made just for this purpose. Take inventory of what type you need before making your purchase. Also, make sure your kids know that these containers need to come back home in their lunch box!

These are just a couple of the very simple things you can do to be on your way to a green household. Teaching your children awareness is the most important step, and children learn best by doing. Involve them in the process and stick with it! Soon, it will be part of your lifestyle and, eventually, theirs as well.