With today’s increased emphasis on preserving and renewing the environment and its resources, many parents are choosing to incorporate practices related to this into their family life.  Regardless of age, kids can be involved in the process of leading healthier lifestyles and of being taught that we are all responsible for the preservation of our planet.  Here is some information about educating your children to “go green”.

Preschool Age

Encourage kids to keep water to a trickle when using the sink and to shut off the water stream while brushing their teeth until it is time to rinse.

Encourage turning lights off when leaving a room and to use natural sunlight as much as possible during the daytime.

Model recycling and make this as easy as possible for little hands. That is, make recycling bins and their contents safe and accessible as much as possible for kids.  Have them help with carrying the recycling to the curb or depot.

Walk as much as you can.  If it is too far for a little one to walk, bring along a stroller or wagon, or ride bicycles to your destination wherever possible.

School Age

Teach your children to turn off electronics when not in use and to unplug the computer and TV at night.

Pack lunches in reusable containers rather than in disposable sacks.

Plant a vegetable garden and nurture it together as a family.  Then have the kids help with the preparation of the garden’s bounty for meals. 
Carpool as much as possible to after-school activities. Walking together is even better.

Rather than driving, walk with your kids to school as much as you can or have them take the school bus where applicable.

Request that kids put on a sweater when they are too cold or open a window when they are hot, rather than adjusting the air conditioning or heater. 

Model donating what you don’t want or can’t use rather than discarding. Involve kids in taking these materials to charitable organizations.

Adolescents

When helping with meal preparation, encourage teens to wash produce in a bowl of water rather than under running water.

Discourage long periods of browsing in the fridge and leaving the fridge door open.

Repair broken or malfunctioning items as much as is feasible, rather than just replacing something every time it breaks.
Consider investing in a push mower rather than a gasoline mower. It will be great exercise for your teen.

Older teens usually want to drive as much as they can. Put limits on the amount a vehicle is used and involve your teen in helping to maintain the car.  That is, keeping tires inflated, contributing for gas money, changing the oil regularly etc.

Encourage them to unplug chargers for their cell phones and MP3 players, when not in use.

For more information on helping your family to “go green,” visit www.thegreenguide.com

Mark your calendars and plan to attend “Baby Talk” on Saturday July 12th from 10:00-11:30 am at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. This month’s topic is “Growing Up Green.” Baby Talk is a program for new parents who would like to visit with other new parents and receive helpful information on a topic of interest to new parents.  Babies are invited and families can just drop into this free group. A scale is available for weight checks.