By: Peter McCarthy

for Assorted Ideas, Large & Smallhttps://david-stone-writer.blog/assorted-ideas-large-and-small/

As we all know, children are the future of this planet and it is our job to ensure that they have a healthy environment in which to grow up.  Kids need to learn about environmental awareness, sustainability, and how they can help save the earth.  This goes beyond recycling and carpooling, it means learning about the environment and taking care of it.

As parents and teachers, we want to do everything we can to make sure our kids have a bright future. But sometimes it feels like the world is against us, with all the talk of climate change and environmental disasters. Don’t worry though – there ARE things kids can do to help save the earth! Here are ten of our favorites. Check them out and see how your family can start making a difference today.

1. Create a green classroom

The earth is one big thing to save so let’s start with the basics.  Kids can have a big impact on their school by encouraging teachers to turn off lights when they leave the room, asking for recycling bins around the school to teach other students about these important habits, and finally, encouraging teachers to use green cleaning supplies.  This is a simple way for children to make an impact on their little corner of the world.

2. Read environmentally aware books

Reading is one of the most important ways kids can learn who they are and see themselves in the world.  There are many great books out there that teach children about environmental awareness, sustainability and how they can help save the earth by making small changes in their lives.

3. Teach others what you know

You may feel like your knowledge is limited but you never know who might be learning from you.  Encourage other people around you to learn about the environment and how they can help save the earth.  Leave articles or books lying around so that other people will read them and teach others what you know.

4. Say no to plastic bags

This is one of the easiest ways for kids to help save the planet.  Plastic bags are terrible for the environment and they never go away.  Encourage your parents to shop with reusable bags and encourage other kids and adults you know to do the same.

5. Plant a tree

One of the best ways for kids to learn about environmental awareness is by planting trees.  Kids can plant fruit or flowering trees on their own or with their parents and it is a great way for kids to learn about taking care of plants.  Planting trees can teach children that even if they are small, they still have an impact.

6. Think twice before buying something new

This step is important as it teaches children the value of things as well as how to be responsible with money.  Teach your child to think twice before buying something new and instead, whenever possible, buy what they need second-hand so that it can be reused without hurting the earth.

7. Donate old clothes

Kids can do their part in getting rid of excess used clothing by donating it. When kids give away their old clothes, they take a step towards being environmentally conscious.  This also helps take pressure off of landfills by reducing the amount of used clothing that is thrown away.

8. Use, don’t lose things

It can be easy to lose items around the house but this habit means buying new ones when they are easily reused or recycled. Encourage kids to keep things they are not using so that others can reuse them.

9. Use less paper

Kids can practice being environmentally conscious at home by turning off lights when not in the room, printing on both sides of the paper and asking for re-usable school supplies.  This includes binders, pens, pencils, folders and notebooks.  By taking simple steps at home, kids can make a big difference in their own lives as well as the lives of others.

10. Turn off electronics when not in use

This is one of the most effective ways kids can help save the earth because it saves energy for everyone!  Turning off the TV, computer or video game system when it is not in use will save energy and also teach children to be responsible with their electronic devices.