Research on parenting during climate change indicates that parents often experience a sense of sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety over their children’s future. The complex nature of climate change information and prevailing uncertainty on global political decision-making traps parents in feelings of insufficiency, guilt, and disempowerment. Here at GoKid, we think that it doesn’t have to be this way. There are a lot of opportunities to take the current situation and make them teachable moments of how to build up resilience and create visible change in a community – one family at a time. Because at the core, it’s up to us, as families, to work together to establish a more sustainable lifestyle and act to minimize climate change. Here are ten easy things you can do to go green as a family:
1) Teach your kids: According to several studies, the younger generation is more concerned about climate change compared to older generations and supports pro-environmental causes. Of course, you can’t be an environmental steward overnight. It’s important to educate your children about environmental issues and raise their awareness. Read books, join community projects, and normalize discussions about climate change. Not only will this cultivate a healthy respect for the planet in your children, but hopefully inspire businesses and organizations to act as well.
2) Unplug your devices: Charges, appliances, and other electronics consume energy, even in standby mode. It’s not enough to unplug metaphorically; you need to unplug every, literally, when they’re not in use. As a bonus, you can save money on your electric bill.
3) Print on both sides: As much as possible, use the two-side setting on your printer. By printing materials on both sides, you maximize the use on each piece of paper. Once you’ve printed on both sides, you can have your children use the recycled pages for art or cutting practice.
4) Wait for a full laundry load: Doing partial loads of laundry is wasteful. Don’t run your washing machine until you’ve filled it with dirty laundry, as each washing cycle uses up plenty of water and electricity. Another green change? Wash laundry in cold water. Many modern washing machines can get stains out using the cold setting – and obviously opt for brands that are gentle on the environment.
5) Pack your own snacks: Food packaging waste made of plastic, glass, metal, wax, cardboard, and more are often non-compostable and difficult to degrade. Unfortunately, most of the products we buy from grocery stores are single-use; in fact, 63% of solid waste produced in the US is derived from packaging materials. Rather than buying single servings per item, buy snacks in bulk and pack them in individual containers. Not only does this help you avoid buying packaged goods when you’re out and about, but it also ensures all your snacks are wholesome.
6) Eat less meat: Cattle farming contributes much to the production of greenhouse gasses and deforestation. Going vegetarian or vegan isn’t for everyone, but having a meatless dinner once or twice a week can reduce your family’s overall carbon consumption. Supporting local farmers’ markets and joining your local sustainability advocacies is another way to reduce your carbon footprint while staying healthy. Here at Gokid we started trying out some vegan recipes from Canadian blogger Laura Wright – they’ve become part of the weekly menu.
7) Raise a plant (or two): Model a lifelong appreciation for nature by growing plants indoors. Many house plants act as natural air filters against harmful pollutants or toxins from furniture, paint, and plastics — and they green up your living space stylishly. Now it’s easier than ever to grow your own herbs – even in the winter months. We are fans of these indoor systems that only take a couple of days from seed to herb.
8) Start composting: Fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, grass clippings, coffee grounds, and tea leaves don’t need to go to the landfill. Your table scraps should go to a compost pile or bin. Mix these with yard trimmings and water for a zero-waste soil enhancer. Don’t have the energy or skills to start your own outdoor compost? We recently purchased a home compost system that eliminates tons of food waste into beautiful soil that can be used even for the smallest patio or window sill.
9) Walk or bike: Walking or biking to schools or after-school activities that are less than a mile away will minimize car fuel and fill everyone with an extra boost of energy. Most short trips, weather permitting, don’t require a car if a little planning is done. In fact, exercise Physiologist John Ford explained how walking is a good gentle exercise to stay fit compared to more vigorous exercises like running, making it ideal for families with young kids.
10) Carpool with other people: Many rural and suburban areas are sadly built for cars. In the absence of public transportation, commuting can be made eco-friendly through a carpool system. Scheduling a daily route for children to commute with their friends from school can greatly cut down on carbon emissions — especially now as school transportation is facing a shortage of bus drivers. Carpooling helps make up for missing bus routes that may have emerged at the start of in-person schooling.
You don’t know who to carpool with? That is a problem we at GoKid aim to solve. Our carpool program for schools helps parents find families that live close by and let them easily manage their carpools within trusted school networks. Contact us to learn more about how to partner with GoKid today.
Exclusively for gokid.mobi by Eunice Scott
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