As parents, we sometimes forget about the simple ways of being green. Sure, we need to be cautious about all the toxic images, chemicals and ideas out there. Before we became conscious of the ills we had to watch out for, there were things our parents used to do that were quite green, mostly because they were frugal, too!
A common outing for moms and kids is the bookstore, where you’re bound to walk out the door with something new in hand. What happened to the library? There are so many great resources at the library. You can borrow DVD’s and CD’s. It’s a great place to find out about events going on in the community.
The best part though is that you teach your kids to use and return.
Pick up a book about recycling at your local library and you have a two-pronged approach to “reduce, reuse, recycle.” Used books stores are another great alternative because you can often sell them back for credit when you’re done with them.
When was the last time you got your kids really involved in the kitchen? It takes some time and often a bit of clean up but it’s worth the reward. Let them help mash the bananas for banana bread. They really enjoy trying to mix the gooey dough and are quite surprised at how hard it is. Cracking eggs are another favorite. Save some clean up time letting them do these things with the bowl in the kitchen sink. Not only will they learn a little bit, but also you’re likely to laugh – and they’ll feel proud telling people about what they did. Take it a step further by letting them pick out the best ingredients at your local farmers’ market.
Even better than the farmers’ market is home grown. It’s summertime and an ideal time to get growing. Even if it’s just a couple strawberry plants in your kitchen window, they can become a great lesson for kids. From the responsibility of watering to the education of where our food comes from and the interplay between plants and the air we breath, there are many eco lessons in growing. Do your remember your mother or grandmother growing anything? I do! Those memories are priceless.
Related: previously on altCon – more green tips
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The library is a great place to take kids; I loved it as a kid myself! Unfortunately a lot of libraries are having trouble staying open. :(
I remember whenever I got a cut or scrape, instead of reaching for a plastic tube filled with toxins, my mother always reached for her Aloe Vera plant. She would simply break off a small tip of a leaf, apply the sticky liquid inside and the healing process would begin. You’re right that green education starts at home and should be a continuous lifelong journey.