by Carol Gioia

Created on: April 26, 2009   Last Updated: April 03, 2011

Be an advocate for the environment and for your children's future.   Through example,  teach your children  how to respect the earth and its resources.

Guidelines for teaching children to live green:

Be a role model

Children learn appropriate behaviors by watching their parents. If you have adopted the positive habits of conservation and preservation in your daily life, your children will follow suit. Ensure that your buying, recycling, and transportation choices are designed to mitigate negative effects on the environment.

Modify behavior

Teach your children how to conserve water and energy in daily living. Remind them to turn off lights when they leave a room, unplug electronic gadgets when not in use, not to leave water running needlessly and to take shorter showers. Explain why carpooling and using bicycles or walking to shorter destinations will be insurance for their own future ecological well-being.

Donate and recycle

By donating and recycling clothing, toys and items no longer needed, but still usable, you can teach your children to do the same. Develop the mindset that encourages analyzing waste and excess. Live by the adage, "Make do, do without, use it up, wear it out."

Waste disposal

Learn the location of each category of waste disposal in your community and use them when disposing of old paint and other toxic substances, computers and other electronics, old appliances, Christmas trees and discarded wood, magazines and newspapers. Through research, you will discover there is a collection site and recycled use for almost everything. Have your children accompany you to these drop-off sites in order to inspire their conscience about the correct way to eliminate trash without corrupting the environment.

Embrace nature

Take your children on nature walks, visit zoos, planetariums and aquariums, to instill appreciation for nature and wildlife. Watch the discovery channel on television with your children and have conversations about the various educational programs viewed. Teach them how to care for their pets. Help them plant a garden and discuss the value of healthy eating and proper exercise.

Shop mindfully

Make your own purchases from stores that buy from "green" manufacturers. Replace old appliances with updated, energy-saving models whenever possible. Keep your motor vehicles in good repair to mitigate gas usage and polluting potential.

Children learn what they live. Any time your children witness frugal efforts to preserve and protect the environment and its plant and animal life, they will be inspired to behave in the same manner. They will admire your respect for the earth that will be inherited by them and future generations.

Make the differences in your own life to live green; by doing so, you will be teaching your children to live green.

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