Days may come and go, but the Earth will go on forever! And our effort should be to make sure our choices are sustainable and make this planet better for us and those who inhabit it after us.
We at shumee believe that Earth Day should not just be a buzzword or a day to mark by planting a tree (though that is very important too!). We want to do more than just talk. This year, we want to encourage you to think differently.
Let’s start with the choices we make, better yet, the choices we offer our kids.
Do you give your child eco-friendly choices?
We all give our children choices, what can they have for breakfast, which outfit they would like to wear, or maybe even a good selection of toys to play with. Your child may know the importance of choosing outdoor physical play and limited screen time.
After all, choosing from options available is a big part of being independent. And raising kids who can grow up to be independent, self-sufficient adults is one of the primary goals of every parent.
So will your child automatically choose a sustainable product as a grown up, having watched you do so through their young lives?
“Do as I say and not as I do” is a mantra that never works with kids. There is endless research showing how children often follow in the footsteps of their parents. So if we want our children to grow up to be Earth warriors, it's crucial that we make the right choices; especially those with far-reaching consequences.
Small choices matter – make sure you carry water bottles instead of buying plastic bottles every time. Carry a cloth shopping bag. Buy sustainable products made with materials like wood and cloth.
Show your child that these tiny, seemingly innocent choices, have long-term impacts. Empower them to make the right choice every step of the way!
Looking for more ways to nurture your child's love for the environment? Here are 6 easy tips! |
How can you make eco-friendly buying choices?
1. What you buy matters - When you purchase something, you are sending a message to the producer endorsing what they are doing. Try and shop for labels that state fair trade and are sustainable. Give gifts like plants and books made from recycled paper. Wrap them in a newspaper instead of glitzy wrapping.
2. What you choose not to buy matters too - No matter how good a company believes its product is, when customers boycott it, it gets the message. Avoid buying from brands whose ethos you would not back.
3. What you say is just as important - Provide feedback to producers of goods through social media or email, so they know what you are looking for. Speak out if you think something is damaging to the environment and sustainability.
Questions to help you make more sustainable buying decisions
1. Place – Is the product local? Smaller, locally produced producers are often more sustainable in the long run. They will produce less carbon emissions compared to air-transportation, which will help reduce carbon footprint.
2. Packaging – What is the product packaged in? Does it have layers which will end up in the trash heap? Is it reusable for storage?
Toys that encourage movement are a wonderful to help your child connect with nature! Explore active play toys. |
3. Alternatives – Are there alternatives that are more sustainable like wood vs. plastic?
4. Material – Is it safe? Is it eco-friendly? What all goes into the product? Is the information readily available?
5. End of Life – Is the product durable? Can it be donated to charity when no longer needed or passed on to someone else to use?
No matter what we do, there are young eyes following our every move and absorbing everything like a little sponge. To leave a better planet for our children, we have to start by making environmentally sound decisions. Only then can we expect our children to continue making choices which are good for them and the planet.
Make every day a celebration of the world and the planet we are on. Happy Earth Day!