How To Grow Green Kids: A Family Checklist

It’s easy to feel powerless in the fight against climate change, but in fact, your actions can make a big difference. Together, we have the power to change the world.

Use this list to find the right place for your family to start by spotting ways you can go greener for good.

Make Landfill Your Last Choice

• Skip disposable cups, plates and utensils for good.

• Shop with reusable totes instead of making more garbage with plastic bags.

• Try to pack a litter-less lunch every day.

• Get smart about your recycling system; contact the City if you have questions about what goes where.

• Compost food scraps to return nutrients to the soil, promote plant growth and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Think reusable. Get crafty with items you may not want anymore.

• If it ends up in a landfill, write to the company who made the product and ask them to consider changing their process.

Be Best — Waste Less

• Shut off lights and electronics when they’re not in use (such as televisions and computers) to conserve energy.

• Take quick showers to and turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth to save water.

• Dry clothes and towels outside to make helping the planet a breeze.

Join the Green Scene

• When you see environmental issues in the newspaper or on the news, talk about it with your parents. Do you agree? Do you have a different view?

• Take a major step towards becoming an eco-advocate: find out what recycling plans are happening at your school.

• Ride your bike, walk or carpool with friends whenever possible to cutdown on carbon pollution.

• Hang a birdhouse or a bee habitat in your backyard to protect pollinators and keep your local ecosystem healthy.

• Ask what your City, State or Province is planning, and write a family letter to let them know the environment matters to you.