Happy Friday! Today I have a special surprise for you – someone that some of you may “know” and others of you who may not but really SHOULD! Small Footprints at Reduce Footprints is here to share a her fabulous take on being a “green” parent – and I am over at her site today!! Wild, right! We pulled a little switch-a-roo on ya, like where’s Waldo or something. Eeeeee! Fun!
IN THE HANDS OF THE NEXT GENERATION
As I wander the Blogosphere and read about green living and the environment, I often hear frustration. People talk about how their efforts don’t seem to matter in the face of corporate and government indifference. Others say that it’s discouraging to reduce and conserve when oil companies aren’t doing what they could be doing to help the earth. And, in truth, when I walk by a high-rise with all of the lights left on, I feel a bit depressed and wonder if my small efforts matter.
Recently, at a park, I saw a young mother jogging. She was pushing a stroller in front of her and inside, a small child lay sleeping. I thought … wow, by that one simple activity, that child has a huge advantage! By the time he is able to walk, exercise and physical fitness will be a lifestyle for him … all because of a mother’s small action.
I began to wonder what the world would be like if small actions by parents encouraged the next generation to love and respect the earth. What would life be like if every single child grew up to be environmentally conscious … If CEOs considered conservation and sustainability before the bottom, financial line? What if being an Eco-hero became more important than being a sport’s hero, millionaire or politician? Well, I think the world would be a pretty nice place … and I believe that parents can make that happen.
We have a few good examples of it happening right now. When Mrs. Obama moved into the White House, she started a vegetable garden, teaching her own children, as well as children from the community, the value of locally grown produce. The other day I ran across a blog where a mom spoke about shopping with her two small children. She took the time to talk to them about her choices and why some things were nice to the earth and other things were not. Another blog talked about how green living is a family effort … they talk about reducing, reusing and recycling and every family member pitches in to make those goals a reality.
Children learn by what they see and by how their parents live. If parents are living green, kids will probably live green as well. Here are some ideas to get started:
- Include children in green activities (planting a garden, recycling, etc.)
- Spend time in nature with your kids … the more they love the environment, the more they will strive to protect it.
- While out in nature, pick up trash left by others and talk to children about why it’s wrong to litter.
- Lead by example (turn off lights, conserve water, etc.).
- Talk about green living and why it’s important.
- Include kids in green activities, like Earth Hour, Earth Day, America Recycles, etc.
Parents have such a unique opportunity. They have the opportunity to change the world we live in … to raise Eco-minded citizens.
The next time I walk by a building with all of the lights left on, I’m going to smile because I have hope that the next generation will care for the earth and be good environmental stewards. With simple actions by parents now, we’ll be leaving the earth in the capable hands of the next generation.
**Thank you ReducedFootprints! For more – be sure to head over to her “neck of the woods” and don’t forget to look for Waldo (a.k.a. ME!!!)
Photo Credits: http://www.poetrybyrjfitzpatrick.com/
WhooHoo … Thanks, Lynn, for the fun “switch-a-roo”! And to all Reduce Footprints readers who have “taken the bus” here, please take your time and look around … the bus won’t be returning to RF for awhile so there’s plenty of time to read all the wonderful articles here!
Thanks, again, Lynn!
Great post – our children learn from us – our good and bad habits… I’m working on being more green – this is a small step but instead of throwing away copies that did not turn out correct or forms that have to be changed. I created a note pad from the waste… and when I am done – I put them in the recycle bin… my little part…
Love to you
Kelly
Great article. When we get a house next year (hopefully) I want to plant a garden! I have no clue on how to get started!
Hey Emily! LOL – that is still how I feel too and we even planted our first one last year! I guess it’s one of those “learn as you go things” You can do it (trust me, if I can – you can)!!! haha
Oh – and you know you could start small with container gardening and gradually make it bigger as you gain confidence! My mom and sister both had containers that actually did better than ours!
Oh wow, Kelly! That is a great idea to use “extra” paper like that! I always save the sheets of paper that come home with our kids from school and use that for things like grocery lists etc. Really, I think these small changes can have a HUGE impact when we all work together!
Awesome job to you – and thanks for stopping by!
I get the feeling that a finger is being pointed at me (probably not only me) because I have complained in posts about govt indifference, etc. I do not negate the efforts of parents who take time to teach their children by example. What frustrates me is that a “generation” maybe too late for some things, whereas the next election is much closer and by ousting the current non-greeners and replacing them with new thinking we can hasten the process, maybe. I think that both issues have a specific relevance. Any, SF, great post as always.
AV