World Environment Day 2021: 5 ways to raise an eco-friendly child
A clean environment is one of the basic prerequisites for a healthy and sustainable life. In order to raise mass awareness about environmental issues like pollution, global warming food security, sea level increase and drive changes in international policies, UN General Assembly designated June 5 as the World Environment Day (WED) way back in 1972. The theme for WED 2021 is Ecosystem Restoration which includes everything from growing trees, greening cities, rewilding gardens, changing diets or cleaning up rivers and coasts. As we celebrate World Environment Day today, here are some eco-friendly habits that you can inculcate in your children for a healthier, greener Earth.
Energy conservation
This is a very important lesson for becoming a green citizen. Teach your children to turn off lights when not needed, switch off the TV when nobody I watching, and shut down the laptop when they’re not using it. Also, introduce the concept of energy efficiency to them. Encourage your kids to use compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of incandescent ones. They use less energy and last longer.
The Rule of 3 Rs
The 3 Rs include: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. It is important to educate about these environment-friendly rules during the initial years of their lives.
Reduce: This R can be followed by decreasing waste production. Some of the ways to do so include buying products containing minimal packaging, carrying paper bags from home during grocery shopping to reduce plastic bag usage and not buying things in excess.
Reuse: This includes healthy practices like using refill water bottles, cloth napkins instead of paper napkins, updating devices instead of exchanging, so on and so forth. You can also encourage your children to mend their broken toys instead of throwing them away, decorate their room using old things, and reuse or donate old clothes.
Recycling: Teach your kids to repurpose waste or discarded products like glass, paper, cardboards, etc.
Composting
This is the natural process of recycling leaves and food scraps and turn them into organic solid waste or natural fertilizer that can enrich soil and plants. This method will protect Mother Earth by reducing the need for chemical fertilizers, carbon footprint and waste production. Involve your kids in composting.
Choosing organic food
Organic foods are considered to be environment-friendly choices. This is because pesticides are not used for producing them. Moreover, they are known to enhance biodiversity and yield better soil quality. However, encouraging your child to have organic foods is more than just inculcating an eco-friendly habit. It will motivate him to embrace mindful eating.
Gardening
Gardening is a hobby that comes with a plethora of benefits. One of them is that it inspires green living. Moreover, gardening will motivate your kids to eat healthy. Involve kids in this eco-friendly hobby and get their hands dirty for a greener Earth.