Children are sensitive to the environment and the well-being of their planet. They also want to give a helping hand by taking actions that they can do themselves and that they can understand well.
Because sometimes, small things can make a big difference. Here are ten things you can do as a family this month (and the next!)
Clean the park while running
In the spring, when the snow melts, a lot of trash resurfaces. It's time to roll up your sleeves and organize a clean-up operation in your neighborhood park.
What if we made it a race? Have you heard of ecojogging (or plogging)? This activity from Scandinavia encourages you to pick up trash while running. Here's an activity that will please little active people! The most important thing: wear gloves to avoid getting dirty or injured and don't run in the street!
Adopt zero waste lunches
Zero waste lunches are part of many families' daily lives. Many schools and daycares also promote them. With the variety of colorful reusable containers, it becomes so much more enjoyable to make lunches... and eat them!
Among our favorites (tested and approved by children), we like the Bento boxes, the SoYoung cooler bags (in the photo) and the multiple snack bags with seasonal prints.
Passing on your toys
Has your son grown up and abandoned some toys? He'll be proud to pass them on himself. Take the opportunity to show him the Réno-Jouet organization, which collects, recycles and resells games and toys. After his good deed, he can in turn buy a used toy, thus keeping the circular economy going.
DIY with packaging
Toilet paper and paper towel rolls, egg cartons, aluminum pans, etc.: the recycling bin is full of treasures for crafting with children. Are you short on ideas? Let the kids improvise!
Buy local food at the grocery store
Grocery shopping with children allows them to get interested in food, but also in where it comes from. Make it an ingredient hunt: in the aisles, look for products from Quebec or seasonal fruits. In addition to encouraging the local economy, these products reduce transportation costs and the famous greenhouse gases (GHG).
Plant a tree in the yard
Seeing a tree grow is meaningful for children. It’s also a great way to landscape your backyard and do something good for the planet. Trees are real carbon “sinks” that reduce GHGs. Their roots also prevent soil erosion and water pollution.
Turn off the tap water
Here's a simple gesture that quickly becomes a good habit. When you brush your teeth, you turn off the tap. Is the tap leaking? It's best to fix it quickly to avoid waste, and well, damage.
Walk or take the bus
Did you know? Road transport is responsible for 34% of GHG emissions. Each litre of petrol consumed emits 2.5 kg of GHG.
What if we left the car at home? We go to school by bike or on foot, we take public transport or we carpool when possible. We can also take a trip by train or bus. Children love to travel differently.
Composting table scraps
Putting the apple core in the compost bin quickly becomes a habit for children who know that table scraps don't go in the trash.
In Quebec, they now go into the purple bag, which will then be collected and sorted at the biomethanization center, to make fertilizer or sustainable energy.
You can also make your own compost to feed your garden during the summer. Composting reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and produces compost that enriches the soil.
Explore nature
Have you noticed the buds forming? Nature comes back to life. Equipped with a magnifying glass, observe insects and elements of nature. Or organize a small rally in the forest. It can be very simple: invite your child to spot birch bark, a shiny pebble, a squirrel or even animal footprints.
While waiting for the good weather, immerse yourself in the imagination of Moulin Roty , which offers different games for learning and exploring nature.
Psst! Make it a game! The goal is not to create pressure or eco-anxiety in young children, but to raise awareness in a positive way.
Cover photo: Annie Lafrance
