It’s never too soon to start teaching your kids to be
eco-friendly and energy efficient – as soon as they’re old enough to turn on
the TV or the faucet, they can start racking up big utility bills! Use the
following tips to get your child on track for a green, energy-efficient
lifestyle.
Be a Good Example
When it comes to teaching your kids about energy efficiency, leading by example means doing things like turning off lights and the TV when you leave the room, putting recyclables in their rightful bin, taking short showers, and anything else you might tell your child to do. Unless you overcome your own bad energy habits, you won’t be very effective in teaching your kids good energy habits.
Get Kids Involved
Most people learn best by doing. Involve your kids in projects around the home that are related to energy efficiency. For example, have them help you plant a garden, sort recyclables, or turn off the lights around the house before bed. They might even be a small help with more complex projects, like weatherizing a window, by handing you tools when you ask for them. By involving your children in household tasks and projects related to energy efficiency, kids will learn useful skills – and lighten your workload at the same time.
Make it Fun
If you’re creative, you can make a game out of just about any chore or task, whether it’s helping you load the energy-efficient washing machine or closing the curtains on all the windows. Websites like the EERE Kids and the ENERGY STAR KIDS also have fun, interactive games for school-age children that help teach them about energy efficiency and conservation. Older kids might appreciate household competitions or incentives, like treats or allowance money, to reward energy-efficient behaviors.
Keep reading Dean of Green for more green ideas you can practice at home.
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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.
(photo via Flickr)
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