Fighting the climate crisis as a family

There is so much to learn and do to protect, heal, and improve our environment. It can be overwhelming, even for lifelong nature activists. Our job as parents and caregivers is to teach our kids how to do their part.

For kids though (especially the littles), we need to make it simple, clear, and specific. It’s about teaching concepts as well as habits to create a solid foundation. Start early, and get into these green habits today for a better future.

• Turn off the tap. Letting water run while you brush your teeth or wash dishes is wasteful. Not only are you running up your water bill, you also waste the energy and resources needed to clean and treat water before it reaches your tap. There are many ways your family can conserve water. See how to calculate your water use, find specific suggestions about how to conserve, and calculate your potential savings.
• Use only what you need. When it comes to washing up, a 10-minute shower uses less water than a full bathtub. But filling only half the bathtub uses less water than a long shower. Which one should you choose? It all depends on the situation. Teach your kids how to know whether they need a quick rinse, a serious scrub, or a long soak.
• Unplug it. Did you know your smartphone charger uses energy even if your device isn’t plugged in? Game consoles, printers, Blu-ray players, electric toothbrushes, and razors all use energy — even when they are off. You can make it easier to unplug your devices by using a power strip. Instead of unplugging each device, you can simply switch off the strip. Also, consider smart strips. They let you turn off individual sockets from your phone. Make a habit of taking your rechargeable devices out of their charging stations or disconnecting them when they are fully charged. Then, unplug the charger until next time.
• Unplug yourself. Family time is better in analog. Instead of staring at screens together, break out the playing cards, dominos, or board games with your kids. Even better, get outside! Walk, ride a bike, or practice your skateboard moves. Nurture a love for Mother Nature by meandering through a park, tending a flowerbed, or counting the colors in a sunset. Studies show that time spent outside can measurably improve your health, creativity, and sleep, too.

Everyone has a part to play in reversing climate change. Now you know how to make it a family affair. It takes time for a habit to form, so remember to keep at it.

“5 Things You Do Every Day That Are Good for the Environment and 5 That Are Hurting It,” Business Insider (insider.com), November 5, 2018
“Save Energy in Your Household with a Smart Power Strip,” U.S. Department of Energy (energy.gov)
“Health Benefits of Getting Outside,” WebMD (webmd.com), June 29, 2021
“Water Conservation – How Much Water and Money Can You Save?” Penn State Extension (extension.psu.edu), May 19, 2016