As we try our best to be good role models for our children, here are a few basic concepts that you may want to keep in mind as you go about raising that bundle of joy.

Kids are like sponges, they soak up new ideas and info. And they love to have fun. The key to keeping those energetic bodies and brains engaged is to make everyday activities as enjoyable as possible.

From the food you put on the table, clothing on their back, media & entertainment, and decorating their room – bring them into your world. We all learn best by doing, so teach them to make smart choices and do for themselves. Life’s all about problem-solving, just try to make it fun. It may not be easy being green, but it’s sure worth it!

Our Top 5 Tips for today’s eco minded parent:

1. SHOPPING & DOING ERRANDS TOGETHER – Always take your reusable bags to the store – that’s a great start, but you can go several levels deeper. Begin a dialogue that’s aimed at turning your child into a conscious consumer. As you consider certain purchases, take time to instill socially responsible values…
Teach them to ask questions like: can you afford it? Do we need this? Where did the item came from – was it sourced locally, in the US or overseas? How was it made? Consider the item’s carbon footprint. Teach by example: buy the brand with the least amount of packaging and buy in bulk whenever you can.

Make excursions to the store a challenge, a learning experience. Keep an estimated running tally of how much gas is being used and how much it costs at the pump. Going green oftentimes means saving money, so tie in a mini “math lesson” as you teach them to be more eco conscious. Advanced math: instead of buying lots of different home cleaning products, show them the frugality and practicality of using distilled white vinegar, water, baking soda, your favorite essential oil and a spray bottle. Dust with microfiber cloths instead of paper towels.

2. WATER – To stay hydrated while on the go, always carry a reusable water bottle rather than bottled water. At home, if you need to filter your tap water, use an under-counter filtration system, or pitcher such as Zero Water. Do not buy bottled water – all that plastic uses a tremendous amount of energy (plastic comes from oil) and creates tons of landfill waste, (only a fraction of recyclable water bottles are actually recycled).
3. REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE – Practice the 3 R’s of Conservation, but practice them in that order: always Reduce (the amount you use); Reuse what you have (reusable water bottles, reusable shopping bags, shoe boxes, bubble wrap, ribbon, shipping materials, empty food glass jars, etc); and Recycle (clothing, toys, plastic, glass, cans, cardboard and unwanted gifts!). Pass along items to friends, family, Goodwill, church or teach them how to make a few bucks on Ebay (or similar).
4. GET OUTSIDE – Whether hiking, biking, playing in the park or swimming at the beach, kids get a kick out of being outside and develop an appreciation for the great outdoors. It’s also great exercise and will help keep them in shape as they become big kids. Kick it up a notch and participate in a beach clean-up so they become aware of trash, and see where “discarded stuff” can wind up. Or compost and start a little veggie garden so they have more of an appreciation for food, nature and “lifecycles.”
5. EDUCATE & CELEBRATE – Show how toys and games can be both green in their manufacturing, and message. Opt for toys made out of sustainable or recycled materials rather than plastic. Look for family board games that are centered around nature and the solar system (NatGeo or Discovery). Screen films and television programs that highlight the wonders of nature, (DisneyNature, Discovery, NatGeo, PlanetGreen).

Everything we do can relate back to green – both caring for the planet, as well as finances … They’ll soon understand that everything has value — do your best, have fun and try to keep it green:)