Does your family practice green living? Every parent wants better for their child than they had for themselves. I think that is the way parenthood is designed. Our legacy is that each generation wants better for the next generation. Only in order for us to leave the world a better place for our children, we need to make the planet a better, cleaner and greener version of what it’s become. Like I always say, be the change you want to see in the world and start by being that change for your children.
Here are 10 easy tips for green living
1.Set up a garden at home in the spring for growing organic vegetables.
Your kids can help plant, water, and care for the garden, watch the plants grow, and enjoy the results.
2. Recycle Water in Your Bathroom
Keep a bucket by the shower or the tub and fill it with the cold water that comes out before the hot water kicks in. Then use that water for your plants. Turn off faucets when not in use.
Use a compost bin to turn your food and lawn wastes into nutrient rich mulch. It’s a great way to reduce your trash footprint.
4. Use High-Efficiency Lighting
Replace low-wattage halogen bulbs with LED versions. For landscaping, use solar powered lights. When you are not using lights inside them, turn them off.
5. Load Up the Washing Machines
Make sure you only run the dishwasher and the washing machine when they’re full. Washing machines are huge energy and water users.
6. Clean green.
Look in your kitchen cabinet for natural cleaning products like baking soda, white distilled vinegar and essential oils. Use reusable shopping bags whenever you go to the store.
Swap clothes, books, magazines and DVDs with neighbors and friends instead of buying new. Check out books from the library rather than buying new ones. Videos can also be borrowed from the library, instead of buying new. Streaming them on your computer is also an great way to avoid waste.
8. Don’t buy bottled water.
You will use less plastic, create less garbage and save money. Buy reusable containers. Have your kids take a lunch using a planet box or reusable snack bags that can be washed and reused rather than thrown away.
9. Drive Smarter
Simple changes in our driving habits can improve fuel efficiency. Drive near the speed limit, keep your tires inflated, make sure oil and air filters are clean, and step on the gas and the brakes carefully. If you really want to be green, ride your bike or walk when possible.
10. Hang Clothes to Dry
My girls love to help me do the laundry and there is nothing quite as wonderful as clothes dried by the summer sun and wind. It’s also something the girls and I can do together.
By teaching your kids some ideas on living greener now they will grow up living greener and making this planet a better place for their children.
What are your best tips for teaching your family green living?
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of AGL solar energy but all opinions are my own.