With global warming as an ever-pressing issue, we all need to play our part to be more green. Human behaviour is the main contributor to climate change, from the carbon emissions produced when we burn fossil fuels to the urbanisation of natural areas. Our children need to learn about the impact their actions can have on the environment, and how to be more eco-friendly.
However, all parents know how hard it is to balance a commitment to sustainability with the need for convenience that is essential to the function of family life. Here are some easy ways that families can be more green in 2023 without disrupting their carefully mapped out routines.
Switch up your transport
When you have children, it is near impossible to operate using public transport alone. Urgent school runs, doctor’s appointments, and endless social arrangements make having a car an essential. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t be eco: used cars from a local dealership or modern electric models are great green alternatives to brand new petrol or diesel vehicles. You can also make an effort to use public transport wherever convenient to reduce your carbon footprint.
Encourage time outdoors
Spending time in nature is one of the best ways to teach children to appreciate the world around us. Parents should encourage time outdoors on a regular basis, whether this involves going for a family walk, visiting the local playground, or performing simple tasks in the garden. Perhaps especially rewarding is exploring a nature reserve where children can see animals and plants up close in their natural habitat.
Reduce your water waste
We think a lot about our energy use, but often water waste is overlooked. Following the summer droughts that made 2022 the UK’s hottest year on record, it is clear that water preservation is an important green goal for this year and beyond. Simple changes can have a dramatic impact on reducing your water waste such as taking shorter showers and teaching children to turn off the tap when brushing their teeth. You can also collect rainwater in a water butt for garden maintenance in the summer to avoid reliance on fresh water from the hose.
Find alternatives to plastic
Plastic is present in many products relating to family life, from supermarket snack selections to children’s toys. While it may be unrealistic for you to cut out plastic from your life completely, reducing how much you use will help to ease the strain on our overflowing landfills. Consider replacing plastic wraps for lunches with reusable beeswax alternatives, and trading plastic lunchboxes for metal containers. You can also seek out specialist shops or select supermarkets where you can refill essential products using existing containers rather than buying fresh stock.