We can start teaching children at home and at schools around the country how to help our planet survive. Several cultures teach children to respect the planet from birth, but in our fast-paced society, we’ve become far removed from where our food comes from, and the importance of recycling. At Le Petit Paradis Preschool in New York City, there are recycling bins in the classrooms and children get involved in the recycling process. Teachers ask questions like: “What do you think will happen to these objects you have put in the trash?” Parents at home can go also go through recycling processes with their children. Kids are remarkable sponges for information. They have curious minds and limitless amounts of energy. Children can actually take a proactive part in saving the environment.
Christina’s Seven Fun Eco-Friendly Activities for Kids:
Cooking with Children
Involve your kids with meal preparation. Teach them about genuine organic food. At Le Petit Paradis Preschool, children prepare their own healthy snacks and even make their own orange juice.
Start a Compost
Show kids that when they have finished their fruit and vegtables, there are parts than can be composted. Involve your children in composting food scraps, coffee grounds, etc. Get them used to seeing that food waste is not garbage, but rather something that can be turned into soil to grow more food.
Paper Reduction
Use old paper, newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, and paper bags for arts and crafts projects. Be thrifty with paper. Did you know that every year, Americans throw away enough writing paper to build a wall twelve feet high, stretching from Los Angeles to New York City? Whenever possible, make two-sided copies.
Going Outside
Taking a walk through the park and woods, or rowing a boat, are all time-tested ways for kids to develop an appreciation for their place within nature.
Adopt an Endangered Species
Have you taken a trip to the local zoo lately? Not only will your child learn about animals, but several zoos now display information about endangered species. Children and their families can actually help save some of these beautiful creatures from extinction by adopting them. Zoos like the world famous San Diego Zoo have programs like CRES (the San Diego Zoo’s conservation research arm). They work to protect endangered species like the Congo gorilla and koalas. They have programs like “Adopt an Australian Iguana,” where kids can learn about the species while helping to save them from extinction!
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