With an event-packed school year, summer break is the perfect time of year to explore creative new activities for your little ones. While they may get a dose of eco-friendly lessons in school (we all remember, “Reduce! Reuse! Recycle!”), it’s up to parents to instill earth-friendly values in our children, in hopes of building a healthier planet for their future. With this in mind, here are a few summer-perfect activities you can do with your kids and which will keep their carbon footprints as small as their actual footprints.
Start a Garden:
There’s no better way to teach your children how to appreciate nature than by getting directly involved with it. Show them how to nurture a plant from its start as a seed, explaining how it takes clean water, healthy soil, fresh air, and sunlight to grow a hardy sprout to maturity.
Plant A Tree (or two):
Once you’ve determined the types of saplings you’d like to plant (the process of selecting trees for your particular location on the planet is both a fun and educational process for the little ones), you can then teach your children the important role trees play in our ecosystems and why they’re necessary for all life to thrive. As the biggest plants on the planet, trees give us oxygen, store carbon, improve air quality, stabilize the soil and give life to the world’s wildlife. They also provide us with the materials for tools and shelter.
Splash Sustainably:
When it’s hotter than hot outside, the only way to get through the day is to get wet! But running the hose for an all-day slip and slide is hardly helpful to the environment, not to mention your water bill. Instead, soak up a few sponges or washcloths in your kiddie pool for hours of water-conscious play. Or, poke some holes in a recycled water bottle for a quick and easy sprinkler.
Go Camping:
Whether it’s in the woods, by the beach, or in your backyard, camping is the quintessential summer activity! Camping brings your child face-to-face with nature’s beauty, giving you the opportunity to discuss the significance of carbon neutrality, and how to protect our planet from pollution, carbon emissions and global warming. Take a look at these eco-friendly camping tips from our friends at Just Energy before planning your next outdoor excursion.
All summer long we’ll be sharing sustainable tips, information, and ideas perfect for the season. Make sure to check the Terrapass Footprint Blog each week for new articles to keep you updated and informed. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook, where we’re always sharing tips and information on living an eco-friendly, green lifestyle.
Brought to you by terrapass.com
Sources:
https://www.babble.com/crafts-activities/13-diy-water-toys-for-kids-to-make-a-splash-this-summer/
https://www.justenergy.com/blog/a-happy-green-camper-tips-for-eco-friendly-and-safe-camping-and-hiking/
