Earth Day is a global event which aims to highlight the importance of protecting the environment. It serves as an important reminder of our responsibility to care for our planet and protect it for future generations. As parents, one of the most impactful ways we can contribute to this mission is through eco-parenting.
So how can you get involved?
- Lead by Example - Children are incredibly observant and learn best by watching and imitating their peers. By educating our children, we will instill these values from an early age.
- Encourage an appreciation of nature - Spend time outdoors with your children, whether it's exploring local parks, hiking trails, or in the garden at home. Help them understand how all living things are connected and the impact of our actions on nature.
- Educate About Environmental Issues - There are some great platforms that can assist with educating children. As well as books, channels such as Cbeebies have programmes and episodes relating to the environment such as Octonauts discussing problems with plastic, Litter picking with Down on the Farm and Maddie Moate explaining recycling. CBBC host a programme for older children called Planet Defenders.
- Promote Conscious consumption - Get your children thinking about every item that comes into the house. Do you really need it? What will happen to it when it's no longer needed?
- Get involved in eco-friendly projects - Could you help with litter picking in your local area or assisting with planting trees? Have a look on Facebook groups for events happening locally.
We spoke with Sam Shelley, co-founder of Eco Essex, a community group to support you on your eco journey. Sam gave us some great tips to share with our readers below:
- Cloth Nappies - Using cloth nappies part time is better than not using at all.
- Buy pre-loved or borrow from friends - Babies and children outgrow things so quickly so buying second hand is a great option. On the other hand, can you pass down items when no longer needed?
- Invest in reusable party decorations - Buy non gender specific so they can be used for any party and any member of the family year after year, or find your local eco party kit hire.
- Start as you mean to go - If you have a reasonably minimalist family home, then speak to family and friends as soon as you are expecting and tell them what you need or don't need. Use an online gift list such as Giftser so you only get what you want. Alternatively set up a green/ethical bank account and ask family to save money instead of buying things for the sake of it.
- Follow some useful local Facebook pages -
Eco Essex is a great page to help you on your eco journey. With free educational content, community meet-ups, environmental updates and recommendations.
Eco Essex Rehome, Reuse and Repurpose - This is great for rehoming ANYTHING, to avoid it going into landfill.
Eco-parenting is not just about raising environmentally-conscious children, it's about nurturing future generations who are empowered to protect and preserve our planet.
If you have any suggestions you would like to add to our article, email us!