A Lesson in Sustainability

As children grow, they are learning all of the time, absorbing information from their surroundings and copying the way that others behave. It is all part of growing up and preparing for life as an adult and they will take a large percentage of what they have learnt as a child into adult life. Learning about sustainability and preserving the environment that we live in and resources that we need to live is an important lesson. Without this understanding, then future generations will use up the earths valuable resources and destroy the environment in which they live.

The easiest way to teach children about sustainability is to lead by example, not only will you be having a positive impact right now but also making a difference for the future. Here are some ways that you can teach children about sustainability:

• Teach children to look after their own toys and how to play creatively with out the need for electronic toys.
• Let children get involved in recycling of rubbish, old clothes, old toys etc. Car Boot sales are a fun way of recycling useful items.
• Discuss decisions on what to buy with children and explain the possible environmental impacts of different consumer choices.
• Have a family policy to only replace household items if they are completely unrepairable. Having a new mobile phone or television each year or two, just because their is a new model available is not sustainable. If you must buy new, then make sure that old items are recycled.

picture - pink cable knit jumper - Bamboo Baby