What does it mean to be eco conscious? To me it’s being conscious of how our actions can affect the environment and how it works. Appreciating the beauty that nature is and always trying to make informed decisions.
We randomly found volunteer tomatoes growing in the planters on the side of our tiny house. I say randomly because we didn’t actually plant any! Turns out our compost that turned into soil, sprouted these tomatoes.
My daughter and I excitedly picked them (I ate them, she didn’t– but loved picking them). This led me to thinking about what it looks like to raise eco conscious kids. Here are some quick tips:
- Lead by Example: Children often learn by observing their parents and caregivers. We try to show our kids the importance of sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly practices into our daily routine. This could include reducing single-use plastics, conserving water and energy, composting(not so much anymore), and supporting local and sustainable products. When kids see us making sustainable choices, they’re more likely to adopt those behaviors themselves.
- Hands-On Learning: Engage in hands-on activities that teach them about the environment and conservation. Planting a garden, going on nature walks, or participating in local cleanup events are some of the ways we connect our kids with nature and instill a sense of responsibility for the environment. Encourage your kids to ask questions and explore their curiosity about the natural world.
- Education and Awareness: You all know I love the library! We visit often and I love finding age-appropriate books that explain eco concepts and serve as educational resources focusing on environmental issues and solutions. Make learning about sustainability fun and relatable for kids by using stories and activities that illustrate the impact of their choices on the planet. Additionally, we can all discuss current events related to the environment and engage in conversations that help them understand the global importance of sustainable practices TODAY.
Remember to make these tips relatable and enjoyable for kids so that they can develop a genuine interest in eco-conscious living from a young age.