Thursday, August 09, 2007

Help Raise an Eco-Conscious Child

(MS) - Parents have the task of teaching their children many important lessons. In this competitive world it's understandable that many of these lessons center around academic achievement and advancement. However, as the global climate crisis becomes a prominent concern - one which will affect our children and our children's children - many environmentally aware parents want to present conservation lessons to their children as well.

"It is important to encourage positive, environmentally friendly behaviors as early in life as possible, says Ellen McNeill, founder of MyConservationBaby.com, an online merchant. "If a parent starts instilling green values in their kids when they are young it will increase the likelihood that they will continue an environmentally friendly lifestyle into adulthood."

MyConservationBaby.com features a number of products for children that offer a conservation message. They can be a unique way to get the conservation message across before children are able to verbalize and fully understand the importance of protecting the planet. In addition to taking an environmental stance through their wardrobe, children can learn environmental lessons through everyday activities, says McNeill. Here are some of her top tips:

· Teach respect for animals. Take children to a petting zoo for a hands-on experience and discussion.

· Have children turn off the water while brushing teeth and explain why it is important to conserve water.

· Have children put bottles, aluminum cans, etc. in the household recycle bins to get into the habit of sorting and depositing items to recycle.

· Tell him or her to turn off lights when they are not in use and how this saves energy.

· Encourage the watching of nature and discovery shows instead of cartoons and discuss what is learned.

· Gather toys that are no longer used and donate them to less fortunate children rather than throwing them in the trash. This teaches lessons on conservation and charity.

· Make a trip to a botanical garden to teach children to appreciate plants and trees. Have a child care for a plant that doesn't need much attention and to watch it grow.

· Encourage outdoor play with friends to learn to appreciate the great outdoors. Point out different trees, plants and animal species in the neighborhood.

· Try to tie a conservation message to all activities that you do with your children.

McNeill shares messages that remind us that conservation and protection of our environment begins with us and our families. "Share your conservation knowledge with your little ones and with others important to you. It will make a world of difference."



Share on: facebook

2 comments:

Eco Interactive said...

I wanted to tell you about our Eco Interactive program for families.

Eco Interactive in partnership with Kids Saving the Rain forest offers Carbon Neutral Travel Program for travel to Costa Rica. Costa Rica is an incredible destination for your next family vacation. In partnership with Kids Saving the Rain forest, The Eco Preservation Society and Rainmaker Conservation Project, the Eco Interactive Family Vacation Experience offers a travel experience that your family will never forget. Eco Interactive is a unique Eco Tour company that gives 85% to philanthropic projects in Costa Rica. Our current project is the Saving Mono Titi documentary about the endangered Mono Titi Squirrel monkeys in Manuel Antonio.

SavingMonoTiti.com
EcoInteractiveTours.com
KidsSavingtheRainforest.org
EcoPreservationSociety.org

Thank you for support! Help us spread the word. We can make a difference!

Unknown said...

Hi, I’m Kate.. new to this space. Can someone help me finda site that offers natural/ eco-friendly baby products?

I’ve found a few sites but not all their products are organic or eco-friendly, and it’s hard to find a site that has cute stuff.