How can one become a “Green Parent”
“Green parents” are a subset of all parents who make choices that promise a better world for their Kids. In today’s world, it is essential that each and every individual contribute a bit to make this planet more sustainable. The best gift we can pass to the future generation is definitely “The Clean Air, Clean water and a Safer World”.
Green parenting lays the green foundation in the formative years of children to be more compassionate towards all species and our mother earth. These choices are small steps for a bigger impact.
1. Clothes and Shoes
§ Kids grow very fast so parents should buy limited clothes and shoes for them. (Reduce)
§ The first step is to look around, if you have friends and relatives whose kids are a little elder than yours-don’t hesitate to ask them about clothes and shoes outgrown by their kids.
§ NOTE: You can form a social group of friends who love this idea and voila...the Green Journey starts.
§ The second step can be to give away good condition clothes to some NGOs to enable reuse. (Reuse)
§ The third step is to give clothes that are unfit to reuse for recycling or Upcycling. (Recycle)
2. Books- Buy limited Books. (Reduce)
§ You can ask for books too in your friend circle and borrow it for use, remember to teach your kiddos to take good care of borrowed books. (Reuse)
§ You can donate books of your kiddos to NGOs.(Reuse)
§ NOTE: You can start a books exchange program with a peer group. It is always good to motivate others towards a green journey.
§ Give books to recyclers that are torn and unfit for reuse to recyclers. (Recycle).
3. Toys –
§ Buy limited toys.( Reduce)
§ Use rental toys.(Reduce)
§ Share and exchange toys( Reuse/ Reduce)
§ Give to NGOs, friends for reuse.
§ Give broken toys for recycling.(Recycle)
4. Green Birthday party- Remember Less is more, Choose Eco-friendly decors for Birthday party, Gift plants, ditch plastic packaging, gifting green products.( Reduce)
And the best way is to organize a party in the garden with home-cooked delicious food.
5. Green Holiday- If you are planning for holidays plan for Eco-friendly stays where your kiddos can feel close to mother nature. Carry your water bottle to avoid single-use plastic. Carry basic cutlery to avoid the usage of straws.
Manage your waste- Throw it in dustbins, waste less food
6. Save Energy – Teach your Kiddos how they can save electricity by switching off extra lights(Reduce)
7. Water Conservation- Teach your Kiddos how they can use less water in daily activities. (Reduce)
8. Inculcating green habits- Sharing and giving away belongings
9. Waste segregation- Teachings kids the importance of waste segregation, Home composting
10. Gardening: Involve them in your gardening activities.
Pre-requisite for a Green Parent: Practice it yourself first…J. So, carry your own bag while shopping and take a stroll to nearby market rather than taking out your CAR.
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