Written by: Giulia Simolo
A great way to help your children choose the eco-friendly path in life is to lead by example. The next time you embark on a shopping trip for the family, bring your children along and let them learn how to choose the healthiest, most eco-friendly products.
Buy this, not that
When your children throw in unhealthy foodstuff into the trolley, how many times do you wag a finger and say, “No, honey, put that back. We’re not buying that.” Chances are this happens often. But if you want to teach your children to choose greener items, you have to be a bit more explanative when telling them what they should and shouldn’t be throwing into the trolley. For instance, explain to them that those highly saturated, processed foods are not good for them, but organic foods are so much better. Try to explain the benefits of organic foods in a language they can understand. For example, tell them that by choosing the healthier items, they will be happier. If they’re happier, they will get to have more fun, playing and enjoying themselves. Children love treats, so show them that organic indulgence (such as chocolate) are available and that they can be healthy as well as offer a delicious snack.
Avoid the impulse
When shopping with children, it’s always a good idea to formulate a list of what you need before you hit the aisles. Make the list with your children so that they can see what you’re putting on the list and why. Then, ask them what they want from the shopping trip and tell them that you’ll find the eco-friendly varieties of what they want at the shops. That way, when you get to the shop you can have focused plan of why you’re there and you can include your children in the process. This prevents impulse buying, which can lead to waste because you’ve splurged on unnecessary items.
Shop online
Sometimes the best way to save on petrol costs and lower your carbon footprint is to shop online in the comfort of your own home. This can also be a great way to cut out the drama of shopping with your kids and it enables you to scan through different options online together. You might even find value-for-money deals.
Eco lessons before you shop
While you’re on the internet, it’s a great opportunity to teach your kids about eco-friendly living so that the next time you go shopping they’re more prepared about the importance of green lifestyles. Some great, child-friendly and eco-friendly sites to check out with your kids include: Kids Planet that teaches them about wildlife and how they can help the world and Recycle City, that teaches kids about what really happens during the recycling process.
Use a re-usable bag
Get your children in the habit of shopping with bags from home. Let them be in charge of bringing the bags so that you don’t have to purchase plastic bags at the store. Carrying your own bags means that you don’t have to wind up with plastic clutter that will only be thrown out, resulting in more waste for the planet. Remember to tell your kids about this so that they learn about easy ways in which they can save the environment.
Get a shopping mantra
Teach your children a shopping mantra that you can remind them of when they’re collecting items for you at the shop. For instance, the mantra could be “Re-use, recycle, repair.” Whenever your children bring you an item that they want to buy, get into the habit of asking them, “Is the item re-usable? Can it be recycled? Or, will it help to repair the earth?” Whatever does not fit in with this mantra does not get a shot in the basket! This can also be seen as a fun game that your kids can play, and they’ll be excited to find items that fit in with the earth-friendly code. Best of all, they’ll be learning some vital elements of what it means to live green.
The liveeco team
