The pitter patter of tiny carbon footprints
Unless we take dramatic steps now, our kids will have a lot more on their plates when it comes to curbing climate change than we do now. So, many parents are working on the basis that it's good to start 'em young.
I've collected together a few resources for parents of young children who'd like to keep their family's carbon footprint as small as possible. Eco-friendly kids is a fantastic site with loads of advice and activities, and is well worth a look. Or for a quick tutorial on green parenting, follow the jump for our brief guide to 'growing green kids'.
Children learn by example, so the best time to introduce these modes of behaviour is when they're learning the basic skills they'll take through life, around the age of three or four.
* When you go shopping, start requesting "no bag, please".
* Teach your children to draw on both sides of art paper, or better yet, on the back of used printer paper.
* Use empty yogurt cups for paint and glue.
* Wash and reuse glass jars and plastic containers for leftover storage.
* Buy reusable grocery bags and start using them (many local stores offer them for sale; or use old tote bags or beach bags you have around the house; keep a few in different sizes in the car for easy access).
* Use plastic bags to line your bins at home, to store wet swim suits and muddy shoes in transit, or as your car litter bag.
* Save toilet paper and paper towel rolls as well as empty dry food packages for craft projects.
* Stop purchasing cheap plastic water pistols - empty plastic ketchup bottles, spray cleaner and water bottles are just as much fun on hot summer days.
