Easy Ways to Go Green with Kids

You’re probably familiar with the three “Rs” (reduce, reuse and recycle). Reduce waste and water usage, recycle your bottles or cans and reuse what you’re able to. Living a greener lifestyle improves your health, air quality and preserves our planet.

We’ve come up with a few ways you can put that advice to good use, not only this Earth Day, but every day of the year. Maybe that means using rechargeable batteries. Maybe you decide to borrow a book from a friend rather than purchase a brand new copy. Maybe you reach for your cup of water instead of that Aquafina bottle. Maybe you walk to the park instead of drive. Maybe you wash and reuse a spaghetti jar.

Whatever you choose to do, take the easy opportunities for you and the kiddos to help the planet. Make a big difference in small ways. Incorporate green habits into your daily routine.

Opt for reusable over disposable

Bottled water is convenient, but try carrying your own reusable bottle. If authenticity motivates you, order something cute, fun or colorful off Amazon that you’ll be tempted to carry at all times. Heck, get matching bottles for you and the kids.

Plant a tree

Pick a spot in your backyard or front yard. You don’t have to wait for Earth Day to buy a cool, new house plant. Have the kids help you water it every day and read books about how plants help us and what makes them grow.

Turn off all the lights

Make it part of your nightly routine to turn off every light in the house before bed. Turn a light off when you leave the room. Open the blinds for natural sunlight during the day. Vitamin D is good for us, and you’ll preserve energy.

Limit water usage

According to National Geographic Kids, turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth can conserve up to eight gallons of water a day. Bath and shower times can be shortened significantly as well, especially if one is taken every day.

Walk instead of drive

If you’re within a safe walking distance of your destination, opt for a stroll instead of a drive. Burn a few calories rather than fuel. Ride bikes with the kids. Take a walk with the wagon.

Unplug

When you’re not using your phone chargers, remember to unplug them. The same goes for iPads, laptops, Apple watches or any other devices you use regularly.

Think before tossing

Before throwing trash away, stop to ponder the ways you could use that item again. For example, could that spaghetti sauce jar be cleaned out and used to store something else?

Secondhand shop

Before shopping retail, try sifting through second-hand stores for good quality hand-me-down items that may work just as well as brand new ones—a great way to practice reuse.

Donate

Sifting through your own clothes or kids’ toys and donating to second-hand stores is another great way to practice reuse.

Recycle school papers

Kids come home with all kinds of papers, some worth saving (artwork), some worth recycling (PTA meeting notices or flyers). Sort through your kids’ backpacks every day, placing papers in a keep or recycle pile.

Cloth vs. paper

Take inventory of bathroom linens. Stock up on clean hand towels rather than paper towels, for example. At the dinner table, try cloth napkins instead of paper napkins. Toss them in the washing machine after each meal. You might even opt for cloth diapers instead of disposables for your babies.

Neighborhood cleanup

Go for a walk on a sunny day and pick up trash around your neighborhood (wear sanitary rubber gloves, of course). Make it a game to pick up as many pieces of trash or bottles as possible. Be sure to use hand sanitizer afterwards.

At-a-Glance Going Green Guide

• Visit National Parks virtually.
• Create a play garden using an enclosed area with dirt and a few tools.
• Go paperless.
• Upcycle toys into something new.
• Buy/use green cleaning products.
• Buy groceries from a local farmers market.
• Use a watering can instead of a hose.
• Use email or online invitations rather than paper invites.
• Pack lunches in reusable containers.
• Use a fan instead of turning down the air conditioning.
• Don’t leave the refrigerator door open.
• Turn off the TV when not in use.
• Plant your own vegetable garden.
• Use a blanket or layer clothing instead of turning the heat up higher.
• Open the curtains or blinds for natural sunlight instead of turning lights on.
• Wash clothes in cold water.
• Use real dishes rather than disposables.
• Learn how to compost.
• Pick up trash in your neighborhood.
• Make a bird feeder for your yard.
• Try reusable grocery bags.
• Stop buying plastic zip bags.
• Volunteer at an environmental organization.
• Switch to eco-friendly light bulbs.
• Get rid of junk mail.

Earth Day Fast Facts

• The first Earth Day was in 1970.
• Earth Day always falls on April 22.
• Earth Day has an official song.
• More than one billion people celebrate Earth Day every year.
• U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson is the founder of Earth Day.
• The first ever Earth Day led to the creation of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Earth Day went global in 1990.

Emily Morrison is a freelance writer, former copy editor, full-time mommy and Disney fanatic who lives in Independence with her husband, son, daughter and dog.