Teaching Kids to Go Green

The best way to insure our planet stays green and livable isn't by recycling and conserving but by teaching our children to do the same.

A fun way to teach your kids to go green is by tackling your electric and water bill. When you get your bill, go over it with your children. Show them how much energy and water you used for the month. Show them how much it costs to run your household.

Save the bill and talk to your kids about ways to reduce your energy bill. Talk about ways to conserve water.

1. Remind them to turn the water off while brushing their teeth.

2. When washing their hands don't wait for hot water. Turn off the sink while soaping up. Also be sure all faucets are completely turned off, no drips.

3. Shorten shower times by actively washing. Get in and out as quickly as possible.

4. Don't flush the toilet every time they pee.

5. Don't waste water with water fights and always remember to turn off the garden hose when it's not being used.

Then you can tackle the energy part of the bill. Talk to your kids about ways to conserve and reduce energy costs.

1. Be sure all extra lights are turned off. Try to use natural light as often as possible.

2. Go through your house and replace all light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs.

3. Be sure doors and windows are shut when the air conditioning or heat is on.

4. If your kids have cell phones or computers, tell them to unplug them from the wall when they are fully charged. Remind them that many household items use energy when they are plugged in even if they aren't on.

Encourage them to unplug things that don't need to be plugged in all the time. (This is a tricky one; you don't want them unplugging the refrigerator)

When you've laid out all these energy saving ideas ask for more ideas. Kids are ingenious and imaginative; they may come up with ideas that never occurred to you. Brainstorm with them and engage their interest.

Make energy saving into a game. Tell them that they'll review the previous months' bill with next months' bill and see if they made an impact. If the bill is less they get a special treat.

If they followed the energy saving tips there should be a dramatic change in energy consumption.

Talk about the things they did over the past month to conserve. Ask them if it was hard. Remind them that by doing these simple tasks they can make a huge impact over a years time.

If these energy conserving tips become habits for your children, they will make a big impact on how healthy our world will be.