- Indoor air pollution can be created from toxic chemicals that are part of cleaning supplies, bedding, furniture and other items in your home. Select organic, natural products without harsh varnishes that could leach chemicals into the air. Have your kids help make natural cleaning products. Equal parts of vinegar and water can be used to clean windows and mirrors. Without the toxic chemicals, you don’t have to worry about them helping you clean. Choose furniture that is finished with a natural wax, especially in a child’s room.
- Have your children set up a recycling station. Give them the job to be in charge of sorting the recyclables. They can then turn cans or bottles in for reimbursement if your state has such a program. This allows them to be involved and get an allowance at the same time. Teach your children which items are able to be recycled so they know how to sort the recyclables. If you are buying items packaged in materials that are not recyclable, switch to another brand with recyclable packaging. Have your kids help find the new brand.
- Plant a vegetable garden with your kids. Let them make markers for the vegetables so you know where they are planted. Put the kids in charge of watering and weeding the garden. Planting an edible garden adds generates more oxygen for the environment and will save you money at the grocery store. You can eat the produce from the backyard and will need to buy less at the grocery, lowering emissions created from driving. Kids tend to eat more vegetables if they have helped plant and pick the vegetables.
- Take your kids to a farmers market weekly. Farmers markets are a great place for kids to try new produce. Often farmers have samples or will give you samples if you ask for one. Buying local produce will cut down on emissions used to transport goods and generates more farming in your community. Farmers markets have produce that is seasonal and much fresher than the produce at the stores. Children will see unusual produce not carried in a store and will develop an appreciation for healthy food. If possible, buy organic. It is normally more expensive, but you'll reap the health benefits of eliminating pesticides from the soil and your food.
- Gift giving is a big part of kids' lives. When getting a gift, find something made locally from natural materials. This cuts emissions from transportation of the gift and eliminates toxins that are part of children’s toys. Have your children cut open paper shopping bags and paint the inside for wrapping paper. This is a way to recycle the bag and also make color wrapping paper. You can use colored plastic bags cut into strips for ribbon on top of the package.
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