5 Simple Ways to Introduce Your Kids to Environmentalism

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It’s no secret that our planet is in trouble. The pollution, environmental carnage and global warming are not only a big deal but they are our big deal. The human race has spent hundreds of years evolving into a mindless species that forgot where we came from. Instead of tending to the earth, living with her harmoniously and putting her health first, we are essentially destroying our life source. Where do we go when the earth is no longer an option?

We can never go back but we can move forward in a positive direction. Our time here is limited but we can leave behind a legacy that deserves to be kept alive and we can do that by creating awareness, excitement and education tailored around informing our kids – the leaders of the future – that our number one priority should and has to be our planet.

1. Start them young

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Our kids minds are at their most absorbent in the first years of life. That’s why with something as important as caring for the Earth and environmental awareness should be introduced as soon as possible. By beginning early, kids have more of a chance to adopt the behaviours you teach them as core information for later in life. We’ll have a bunch of little humanitarians running the world before you know it!

2. Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle

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What could be more fun than arts and crafts? And it’s even better when you are up-cycling using old plastics, jars, bottles, lids….. This is definitely something little kids would go for! It’s a great chance to start a conversation, too. Discussing why you are using the rubbish to make art or why we want to have less rubbish in the bins is great banter for this kind of activity!

3. “Earth” by Lil Dicky

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Hear me out! Yes, it’s not quite for young ears… and how I wish Lil Dicky had made a clean version of this song because it has so much potential to change how kids view the earth. If you don’t mind your kids listening to a few swear words here and there, I recommend throwing this jam on in the car on the way to school in the mornings. If this doesn’t get your kid thinking, I don’t know what will. (Plus, it’s super catchy!) We want the future leaders of this planet to be excited and motivated when it comes to taking action against climate change and global warming. In a world where we are becoming more and more reliant on instant satisfaction, great effort needs to be put in to amp kids up to make long term changes that they may not see the benefits of for a long time.

4. Don’t beat around the bush

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Kids aren’t stupid, they seem to know a lot more than kids did thirty years ago. They understand more, too. That’s why when it comes to things like climate change and the environment, don’t lie to them – it will not do them any good. Tell them the truth, be brutally honest, be informative and see what happens. Children generally have an empathetic nature and we need to give them credit for that by being honest with them. Climate change is so important… and in this situation, what they don’t know can hurt them.

5. Teach your kids how to bond with the Earth

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Outdoor meditation has grown in popularity over the last decade. For relaxation, spiritual awareness, health, clarity… meditating has so many beneficial qualities for your mind, body and spirit – imagine how great it could be for a child to access the elements of mediation before they actually need it.

If meditation isn’t right for your family, try taking a nature walk or having a picnic in the park. Kids resonate strongly with the outdoors so any time spent with Mother Nature is a great opportunity for bonding time.

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Here is a list with a few starting points to get your family excited about making difference in your community: