by Brooke Shambley

Created on: January 20, 2011   Last Updated: January 26, 2011

Many parents are following the trend and going green, but a truly green parent goes beyond what is popular to learning what is actually eco-friendly.  In order to become an eco-friendly, green parent, you must believe that changing your lifestyle is worth the effort and it is!  When you make the choice to go green as a parent, you can take to heart these simple principles and you will be on the road to teaching your family how to take better care of their earth.

Recycle

For years, the motto reduce, reuse, recycle has resonated in American's ears.  However, years later the motto has lost its meaning and is easily ignored.  Still, recycling is one of the easiest and most practical ways to become an eco-friendly, green parent.  In order to make recycling a cinch for your household, simply search the Internet to find your closest recycling center.  Your local recycling center will include a list of accepted items, so print them out and keep the list on your refrigerator for an easy reference.  The next step is to designate a trashcan as your recycling bin.  You can even use sturdy paper bags from the grocery store as your recycling catch-all.  When the recycling bin or bag gets full, simply empty it into your outdoor recycling bin or take it to your closest recycling center.  In addition to recycling your paper, plastic, and glass, you can even recycle batteries, automobiles, clothing, furniture, and even carpet.  Making the choice to recycle is the first step to becoming a green parent.

Turn It Off

The next easiest way to be eco-friendly is by reducing the amount of energy you use.  Turn off lights, turn off water, and turn off fans when you are not in the room.  Teaching children about being responsible with energy is a great way to help them understand responsibility and they also keep you accountable as well.  In addition to simply flipping switches and turning handles, you can also save energy by insulating your house.  If you feel a draft by a window or door, you can add weather stripping to seal the cracks.  Not only is going green going to help the environment, but it will also help save you money!

Think Ahead

What could be easier than bringing light reusable bags with you when you go to the store?  While this has definitely become a popular green activity, using

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