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 Helping
Teens Go Green
The world is in our care. That’s the message
behind green activism and just about every
campaign to make our environment cleaner and
safer for our future generations. This is a
message that resonates well with young people
from elementary grades through to high school.
Young people feel valued when we emphasize their
part in saving this world and making it a
healthier place for everyone.
Green living is about changing behaviors and
taking leadership in adopting and promoting
habits and practices that will be sustainable
and make a real difference. When teaching
children about green activism it is important to
demonstrate how they can make a difference and
identify roles and activities for which they can
be responsible.
Reduce, reuse and recycle is a mantra that is
used widely and makes great sense to young and
old alike. Here are 10 more creative ways to
help young people to go green:
In
the News – Have a discussion: Talk to your teens
about an issue or initiative that maybe your
local politicians are getting involved in or
promoting as part of an effort to make your
region more eco-friendly. Discuss their
opinions about the decisions being made. Ask
them if they would vote for the people in their
region who are making these decisions about the
environment.
Walk the Talk: Set an example for living green.
Try to adopt consistent habits to demonstrate to
your child/teen that not only do you talk about
being green but you show it by changes you make
and the behaviors you’ve adopted.
Keep informed with factual Material: When there
is a program on television that is “green
living” relevant and instructional invite your
kids to watch it with you. If you come across
an article that focuses on some aspect of our
environmental problems or solutions, share it
with your kids, especially your teens who may
appreciate for in depth articles.
Encourage environmental efforts: Help your kids
to find time in their schedules to join
environmental clubs or volunteer initiatives in
your community.
Go
gadget green: If your child or teen is really
into technological gadgets, make sure to use
rechargeable batteries. We all know about
the never ending need for upgraded gadgets.
When kids have outgrown or upgraded their MP3
player, cell phone, hand-held videogame console
or digital camera, make sure they don’t throw it
away. Investigate ways to recycle it or pass on
to someone else.
Stop using Plastic and Paper Bags:
Reusable bags are all the rage now. Search
out interesting reusable bags. Look for stylish
bags or ones with statements or tag lines that
will inspire your kids. Get your kids into the
habit of refusing disposable bags when shopping.
Green Fashion: Encourage your teenager to buy
clothing and make-up from eco-friendly
companies. The
next time a gift has to be purchased help
suggest or source out green products as gifts.
The Body Shop is a great place for eco-friendly
gifts.
Java and Hot Drink Ideas: If your teen drinks
coffee or tea and enjoys meeting friends at your
local coffee house for hot beverages, offer to
buy a reusable travel mug to cut down on waste.
Again, think about style since you want your
teen to use this mug. Pick out a mug or have
them pick out a mug that for them is really
appealing.
Serve locally grown food: Kids love unique and
interesting projects that are also practical and
popular. Eating locally grown food is fast
becoming the hip way to go green. When shopping
and preparing menus for your family involve the
kids in the plan. Ask them to help research the
types of produce grown in your region and then
source out the farmers and stores that sell
local produce. Explain that the average food
item travels 1,700 miles to reach your kitchen,
and that affects freshness, taste, nutrition,
greenhouse gas emissions, high energy costs and
local economic health. By serving locally grown
food, you help reduce these effects.
Listen: Sometimes we can get so caught up in
discussions about the threats to our environment
and the concerns we have for the future that we
neglect to notice what kind of effect this is
having on the psyche of our young people. Take
the time to find out what your kids are
thinking. Are they angry or worried about the
current state of the environment? Are they
hopeful about the future or terrified? Have
frank discussions with your kids about their
feelings and you’ll find they’ll appreciate the
opportunity to express themselves. You can then
help them channel those feelings into actions
that can have a positive effect in your
environment.
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