As a new parent, it is fair to have an ever-growing concern for the environment. This is the world you are raising your child up into, and you know that the state of the earth is going to play a big part in your child’s future. So you want to do what you can to help that environment, while also instilling a similar sense of eco-consciousness in your child.
After all, the state of that world is going to fall into his or her hands soon enough.
Often, the best way to inspire a set of ideals in your child is to set the example first yourself. They are always watching you and learning from the way you interact with the world around you. So instilling eco-consciousness in your child starts with embracing that eco-consciousness yourself.
Why don’t you start by instituting a recycling plan in your home? Find out what your city offers and how you can participate, and then create a compost pile in your yard and place recycling bins around the house. Talk to your child about where to throw various items, and invite them to participate by taking a banana peal out to the compost pile or by putting a tin can into the recycling bin.
From there, think about cutting down on how often you use your car. Do you really need to get in and out of a vehicle just to go to the store down the street or to visit your friends up the block? Pull out the stroller on nice days and show your child that the two of you can get to places just as easily on foot as by car. This will be good not only for the environment, but also for your own health and well-being.
Then, why don’t you think about starting a garden together? You don’t have to go big, you can start with just a few plants. But consider what it might teach your child if you begin growing some of your own food? Depending on where you live, having a citrus tree or a tomato plant could provide not only some great opportunities for bonding with your child, but also the chance to teach him or her about sustainability and eating local.
There are so many other small ways you can begin to teach your child about eco-consciousness. Say “no” to disposable bags at the store and carry your own canvas totes instead. Make your own cleaners. Talk about not wasting water.
Your child will hopefully grow up in a generation of kids far more aware of the environment than we were. But that starts with you!
Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.
