Research on parenting during climate change indicates that parents often experience a sense of sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety over their children’s future. The complex nature of climate change information and prevailing uncertainty on global political decision-making traps parents in feelings of insufficiency, guilt, and disempowerment. Here at GoKid, we think that it doesn’t have to be this way. There are a lot of opportunities to going green with the family and bring teachable moments to your family lives. Going green will bring positive energy to your family. You can build up resilience and create visible change in a community – one family at a time. Because at the core, it’s up to us, as families, to work together to establish a more sustainable lifestyle and act to minimize climate change. Here are ten easy things you can do going green as a family:
1 Be a role model for your kids
According to studies, the younger generation is more concerned about climate change compared to older generations and supports pro-environmental causes. Of course, going green takes time and as a family, you can’t be going 100% environmentally friendly overnight. However, you might find that your children are already inclided to listen to ways to contribute to a cleaner environment. Read age-appropriate books, join community projects, discover local farms, and normalize discussions about climate change. Not only will this cultivate a healthy respect for the planet in your children, but hopefully inspire other families to make a positive impact.
2 Unplug your devices
Charges, appliances, and other electronics consume energy, even in standby mode. It’s not enough to unplug metaphorically; you need to unplug every device, literally, when they’re not in use. As a bonus, eco friendly practices like these will save energy and therefore money on your electric bill. Increasing energy efficiency is as easy as turning off the lights and unplugging your devices!
3 Print on both sides
Going green means thinking twice if you need to print out school information or homework. But as much as possible, use the two-sided setting on your printer. By printing materials on both sides, you maximize the use of each piece of paper. Once you’ve printed on both sides, you can have your children use the recycled pages for art or cutting practice.
4 Wait for a full laundry load
Going green with the family can also help conserve energy and conserve water: Doing partial loads of laundry is wasteful. Don’t run your washing machine until you’ve filled it with a full load of dirty laundry, as each washing cycle uses up plenty of water and electricity. Your energy use will go down even more if you add this bonus going green tip for the family tip: Wash laundry in cold water. Many modern washing machines can get stains out using the cold setting – it’s a cost savings boost as well. When shopping for laundry detergent and washing machines, opt for brands that are gentle on the environment.
5 Pack your own snacks
Food packaging waste made of plastic, glass, metal, wax, cardboard, and more is often non-compostable and difficult to degrade. Going green is really hard when grocery shopping. Unfortunately, most of the products we buy from grocery stores are single-use; in fact, 63% of solid waste produced in the US is derived from packaging materials. Our going green tip? Rather than buying single servings per item, buy snacks in bulk and pack them in individual containers. Not only does this help you avoid buying packaged goods when you’re out and about, but it also offers cost savings and ensures all your snacks are wholesome. And while you’re at it, make sure your child has their reusable water bottle packed. Snack and dring your way into a more sustainable future!
6 Eat less meat
Cattle farming contributes significantly to the carbon emissions and deforestation, impacting our quest for going green and adopting environmentally friendly practices. While going vegetarian or vegan isn’t for everyone, incorporating a meatless dinner once or twice a week can play a vital role in reducing your family’s overall carbon consumption substantially. This simple change is a step towards a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Additionally, supporting local farmers’ markets and participating in your local sustainability advocacies is another effective way to diminish your carbon footprint while maintaining a healthy diet. Here at Gokid, we started trying out some vegan recipes from Canadian blogger Laura Wright – they’ve become part of the weekly menu. Future generations will thank you for this small change of habit.
7 Grow a plant (or two)
Model a lifelong appreciation for nature by growing plants indoors. Going green is so easy for the indoors. Many house plants are natural resources for better air quality. They act as natural air filters against harmful pollutants or toxins from furniture, paint, and plastics — and they green up your living space stylishly. Now it’s easier than ever to grow your own herbs – even in the winter months. We are fans of these indoor systems that only take a couple of days from seed to herb. Here at Gokid we love supporting sustainable businesses!
8 Start composting
Want to reduce waste? Food scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, grass clippings, coffee grounds, and tea leaves are essential components in going green and don’t need to end up in the landfill. These kitchen and garden leftovers can be transformed into an environmentally friendly compost. Your table scraps should go to a compost pile or bin, where mixed with yard trimmings and water, they become a zero-waste soil enhancer, contributing to an eco-friendly lifestyle. Don’t have the energy or skills to start your own outdoor compost bin? We recently purchased a home compost system that turns tons of food waste into beautiful soil, perfect for enhancing even the smallest patio or window sill gardens. This not only aids in reducing waste but also ensures your plants (tip 7) receive a significant boost in nutrients, fostering a healthier, more sustainable environment. Don’t have outdoor plants to feed? Ask your community for their compost recycling programs – many towns start introducing these!
9 Walk or bike
Walking or biking to schools or after-school activities that are less than a mile away will minimize car fuel and fill everyone with an extra boost of energy. Most short trips, weather permitting, don’t require a car if a little planning is done – and it’s a simple and easy trick when going green. In fact, exercise Physiologist John Ford explained how walking is a good gentle exercise to stay fit compared to more vigorous exercises like running, making it ideal for families with young kids. Sustainable living can start right here, one walk or bike at a time.
10 Going green: Carpool with other families
Walking or biking to schools or after-school activities that are less than a mile away is not only an environmentally friendly choice, but it also minimizes car fuel usage, cuts down on carbon emissions contributing to the going green initiative. These simple actions fill everyone with an extra boost of energy and help reduce our carbon footprint. Most short trips, weather permitting, don’t require a car if a little planning is done. By choosing to walk or cycle, we take significant steps towards going green with the family. Carpooking is an eco-friendly lifestyle, demonstrating that small changes in our daily routines can have a big impact on our environment. As school transportation is facing a shortage of bus drivers. Carpooling helps make up for missing bus routes or lack in time.
You think carpooling would be a great addition to your eco friendly practices but you don’t know who to carpool with? That is a problem we at GoKid aim to solve. Our carpool program for schools helps parents find families that live close by and lets them easily manage their carpools within trusted school networks. Contact us at schools@gokid.mobi to learn more about how to partner with GoKid today.
