Wow, that was a mouthful. I’m sure I even forgot some of the things we do!
Nonetheless, we’re very involved in what we do with our children, living by example, “walking the walk while we talk the talk” so to speak. What sort of planet will they live in when they’re our age if we don’t? That scares the bejeebus out of me.
Does any of the above interest you, but seem too daunting of a task? Try reading up on the subject first. Look up tons of resources on the internet by visiting the above links, or check out some books from yoru local library. Here’s my ‘Going Green” book must haves for young children:
- 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth by LLC Andrews McMeel Publishing
- Earth Book for Kids: Activities to Help Heal the Environment by Linda Schwartz
- Where Does the Garbage Go?: Revised Edition (Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2) by Paul Showers
- Recycle!: A Handbook for Kids by Gail Gibbons
- Ecoart!: Earth-Friendly Art and Craft Experiences for 3-To 9-Year-Olds (Williamson Kids Can! Series) by Laurie Carlson
For Teens – Books
- The Green Book, by Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas M. Kostigen, 2007
- Take Action! A Guide to Active Citizenship, by Marc Keilburger and Craig Keilburger
- The Live Earth Global Warming Survival Handbook: 77 Essential Skills to Stop Climate Change, by David de Rothschild
- An Inconvenient Truth: The Planetary Emergency of Global Warming and What We Can Do About It, by Al Gore
- The Greening of America, by Charles Reich
Teen Websites:
- http://www.scholastic.com/lexus/
- http://www.bkfk.com/Modules/Innovator/MeetAnInnovator.aspx?Section=changeit
- Environmental Protection Agency
- United Nations Environment Programme
- Climate Crises
- National Geographic
- Do Something
- The Green
I have loads of resources to share that I’ve found over time. Take a few minutes to go through each of these to get the idea.
- Amazing Recycled
- NewDream.org
- EarthDay.net
- Oprah even did a show on this!
- Green Earth Office Supply
- How to have a happy, green home
- Healthy Parenting
- Our Green House
- Natural Babies
- Organic Coupons
- Trader Joes
- Baby Naturopathics
- Ecocolors Non-Toxic Hair Color!
- Lotus Organics
- Eden Foods
- Gardens Alive
- Earth Mama Angel Baby
- Wholefood Farmacy
I’m very happy to report that our commissary on post is now carrying many organic options for foods, with spices, canned goods, not to mention fresh local produce. We’ll still venture to local farmer’s markets of course, but its also intriguing to see the cleaners being updated with greener options out there as well, such as Seventh Generation and Deirde Imus’ Cleaning Products. Target also has Method products regularly available.
Don’t try to dive right in without babysteps. Even small changes will make an impact. One of my favorite sayings is “The man who removes a mountain, begins by carrying away small stones. “- William Faulkner
So start small, and eventually you’ll be going green in no time!
Have more resources to share? I’d LOVE to hear more!
I just love your blog. I think I’m going to link ya! We have just recently made lots of changes such as: using cloth mama pads, cloth night-time pants to replace Pull-ups, environmentally friendly cleaners, natural personal hygiene items, cloth shopping bags (I love the weird looks that I get!), eating organically as much as possible although there’s not many options here, etc… We are doing good, but there’s always room for more change.My kids know all about recycling, not being wasteful with water/electricity/things in gen. It’s never too soon to start teaching them!!
We love Trader Joe’s. Their dishwashing detergent is highly rated for cleaning dishes and not harming the environment.Sharihttp://twotimesthefun.blogspot.com
I love the 7th Gen. Lavender Dish Det. And my SIL tried the 7th Gen. Dishwasher Det and it got her dishes cleaner than they had ever been since she’s lived in her house! She usually has a film on her dishes and uses Vinegar in her dishwasher to help, but with 7th Gen. they were squeaky, clear and clean for the first time ever.