The Number One Way to Teach Your Kids about Sustainability

We are living in a time when oil is covering the gulf, plastic islands are floating in our oceans, and BPA is contaminating our lives - it's even in our store receipts! How do we make sure our world is safe for our children and grandchildren?

While many people in the world are taking steps to lead healthier, safer lives for people and planet, the future is in the hands of our children. The best things we can do as parents, caregivers, and teachers is to teach them to live sustainable lives.

What is a sustainable lifestyle? According to Wikipedia, "Proponents of sustainable living aim to conduct their lives in manners that are consistent with sustainability, in natural balance and respectful of humanity's symbiotic relationship with the Earth's natural ecology and cycles."

There are many topics to cover with our kids, from organic foods to recycling to renewable energy. But what is the Number One way to teach our kids sustainability?

It's no secret. The Number One way to teach our kids how to live a sustainable life is by example! How do you live your life? What do your children see you do? What is important to you? We grew up in the culture of "better living through chemistry," and we have some bad habits. But it's time to break those habits for the sake of our future generations.

Kids are people too. Be honest and let them know that you aren't perfect, and learn together. Maybe you already recycle and commute, but it may be time to invest in that worm bin under your sink (did you know that the majority of municipal waste is compostable?). Maybe it's time to invest in non-toxic cleaners and detergents.

There are many ways to live sustainably, just start! Let your kids see you living sustainably and tell them why it's important. Include them. They probably have some great ideas to share with you too! Lead by example and help our children live sustainable lives today.

Helpful sites on living sustainably and sustainable products: Green Home Experts, Green Genes, Chicago Department of Environment, Recycle Me, Green Depot, Mindful Metropolis, Loui Saves the Earth, Chicago Electric Bicycles, Lollidoo Diapers, The Green Mama

Please add other helpful sites in comments!

eco Vampire tip #4

So here is our very own eco Vampire, Kimberly "Fang" at the Twilight Convention earlier this month, greening the Vampires.

"Oh, it's all so simple," she says. Being an eco Vampire is easy, saves energy, saves money, and helps the environment too!

Tip #4: Change your light bulbs! LED lights, or Light-emitting Diode lights, can use up to 75% less energy! WOW. That's a big deal.

So here's the cool thing. They are everywhere! Commonly used commercially since the 1960's, LED's have improved and are moving into the home. You can even get your holiday lights LED! That's great for energy and money savings when you want to keep those lights on to brighten up your winter nights.

You can find LED bulbs online. If you are looking for a store in Chicago, our friends at The Green Depot on Pulaski can help you out. They have lots of great stuff for your home.

It's so simple being an eco Vampire isn't it? Read our previous tips, and stay tuned for more!