The next few months we are focusing on raising some awareness around saving the planet and sustainability. Our videos for kids, around the topic will be out later this month. Meanwhile, we thought of sharing some knowledge with our fellow parents too. So if you have not yet thought or heard about green parenting, here we go. It is all about making our planet sustainable. As with most tasks and activities, this one also starts at home. So let’s give you some quick tips on how to make your home more eco-friendly.

What is Green Parenting and Climate Change?

For those who have not really heard about green parenting, let’s initiate you into this universe. So as you know climate change is a hot topic these days – mostly because it is all about heating up and impacting our planet through our irresponsible actions as human beings.

Now, for a more decent definition, we have picked up something from the UN for you, “Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Such shifts can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.” So to sum it up, we are the creators of this problem, like many others and we need to act now to ensure that this planets remains livable for our future generations.

Fighting Climate Change Starts at Home

As the saying goes, raising eco-conscious children starts at home :). By adopting green parenting habits, families can create a sustainable environment that benefits both the planet and future generations. Not just that, we can also train them as kids to care for the environment, and hence ensure that they strive towards making our planet sustainable for the future generations too.

So, what does this require? YES, that’s right – we need to rethink our lifestyle and everyday choices, to keep this space livable for our kids, their kids, and theirs and so on. Can you imagine dying in a natural-yet-man-instigated-holocaust? Doesn’t sound or feel good right? Then let’s not wish something like that for our future generations too, because neither are they going to like it. And to avoid such a holocaust, we have to start acting now. ‘Better late than never!’ Without much ado, let’s jump in and promise yourself that you will try to adopt at least a few of these tips for yourself and your family.

Switch to Sustainable Household Products

Many everyday products contain harmful chemicals and contribute to pollution. Opt for eco-friendly alternatives such as:

• Biodegradable cleaning products
• Reusable cloth towels instead of paper towels
• Bamboo or wooden toothbrushes
• Natural fiber clothing (organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo)
• Glass or stainless steel food containers instead of plastic

Encourage your children to help choose sustainable products to involve them in the process.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Teach kids the 3Rs of waste management:

• Reduce: Buy only what is necessary and opt for products with minimal packaging. Talk to them about climate change in a non-intimidating manner to create awareness and reject unrealistic repeated requests for toys. Also get them to watch our video story on 3R to help them understand the concept better.
• Reuse: Repurpose household items, donate old toys and clothes, and use reusable shopping bags. Let’s make it look like this is how we have been living all the while. This will let them just take it for business and usual and gel into the practices.
• Recycle: Set up a recycling station at home and educate kids on sorting paper, plastic, and glass correctly. In most of the countries, waste disposal is a big issue. Further, you never know in which country your kids are going to end up living in the future. So get them to sort their wastes properly. Again, if you watched the above video with your kid already, they probably understand the concept already. All you have to do get them to practice at home now.

Make recycling fun by turning it into a game or challenge for your children.

Energy Conservation Habits & Green Parenting

Conserving energy reduces carbon emissions and saves money. Simple steps include:

• Turning off lights and unplugging devices when not in use
• Switching to LED bulbs
• Using energy-efficient appliances
• Hanging clothes to dry instead of using a dryer
• Encouraging kids to take shorter showers and cut down on bath tub adventures.

Children can track electricity usage and see the positive impact of reducing consumption. Show them the monthly bills, and set a realistic benchmark for your household’s usage. Every month check if them if you are reaching there, or it’s a long way ahead. This will make them feel more responsible while also having some fun doing conservation.

Eco-Friendly Meal Practices

Sustainable eating habits make a significant difference too. Try:

• Choosing locally sourced and organic foods
• Reducing food waste by meal planning and composting scraps
• Limiting processed and packaged foods
• Packing lunches in reusable containers
• Growing a small vegetable or herb garden to teach kids about fresh, homegrown produce. Get them to water the plants, pluck the fruits/ vegetables, so they enjoying the activity and it doesn’t feel like a chore. Cooking something together with what they gathered would be still more fun. Well, these are just a few suggestions. You can think of more ways to make it more interesting for them depending on your child’s interests and yours.

Green Parenting & Transportation Choices

Transportation choices affect the environment. As a family, consider:

• Walking or biking instead of driving short distances
• Carpooling or using public transportation when possible
• Opting for hybrid or electric vehicles
• Teaching kids about carbon footprints and sustainable travel. As per UNDP, “A carbon footprint is a measure of the greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere by a particular person, organization, product, or activity. A bigger carbon footprint means more emissions of carbon dioxide and methane, and therefore a bigger contribution to the climate crisis.” So, again the onus is on each one of us to reduce our carbon footprints.

Composting for a Healthier Planet

Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste while enriching soil. Set up a compost bin in your backyard or use a small indoor compost container for:

• Fruit and vegetable scraps
• Coffee grounds and eggshells
• Yard waste (leaves, grass clippings)

Encourage kids to participate in composting by making it a fun and educational activity. Get them to feed the plants in the house with the home-made compost to earn a star on their self-designed ‘Save the Planet’ chart.

Eliminate Single-Use Plastics

Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental threats. Reduce single-use plastics by:

• Using reusable water bottles and straws, or still better, drinking from the cup directly
• Choosing cloth napkins instead of paper
• Bringing reusable bags when shopping
• Buying bulk foods to reduce packaging waste

Explain to children the impact of plastic pollution on marine life and the environment.

Eco-Friendly Home Décor – Yet Another Green Parenting Initiative

Creating a sustainable home goes beyond daily habits. Consider:

• Using non-toxic paints and finishes
• Decorating with second-hand or upcycled furniture
• Incorporating indoor plants to improve air quality
• Choosing energy-efficient curtains and insulation to regulate temperature naturally

Teach Kids About Nature and Sustainability

Instill eco-consciousness in children by:

• Reading books or videos about the environment, and about caring for it
• Watching documentaries on wildlife conservation
• Participating in local clean-up and conservation events/ activities
• Spending time outdoors exploring parks, forests, and beaches

Make Sustainability a Family Effort

Incorporating green practices works best when the whole family is involved. Create a fun sustainability challenge, keep a family journal to track eco-friendly progress, or set rewards for green initiatives. Help them design a ‘Save the Planet’ chart where they can give themselves a star each time they do something that counts towards caring for the planet.

By taking small but meaningful steps, parents can create a more eco-friendly home and teach their children the value of protecting the environment. Green parenting is about fostering habits that ensure a healthier planet for future generations. Let’s make this happen parents!

Happy parenting!