Eco-Friendly Products

Let's face it – we're just beginning the work that needs to be done in order to right the wrongs of past generations (including our own).  We've started to gain some momentum.  More people are environmentally conscious today than ever before and you're beginning to see some of the results.  Every time I go shopping I see more people carrying reusable shopping bags than I did the week before.  Today's cars are the most fuel efficient ever and more and more companies are making "Green" the focus of their marketing strategy.  Our children will need to continue the fight and then maybe someday the planet will have a better outlook.

It's imperative that we do what we can to learn about being green and transfer this knowledge to our children not only through words but through actions as well!  They are learning a lot in school about being green, more than we did, but if this is not re-instilled at home, then they may or may not take this way of thinking and acting into their adult lives.

1.  Recycle:  Have your kids help out by rinsing cans, breaking down boxes, bundling newspapers or sorting.  This could be a chore on their chore list, but get them involved in the process.

2.  Give them the job of remembering to bring the reusable grocery bags to the market.  It's easy to forget them and kids tend to have better memories than we do.  Also, let them be part of the shopping experience.  See what choices they make:  do they look for recycled packaging?  Locally grown?  Organic?  Explain the differences to them so that they learn to shop responsibly.

3.  Help them lead less gluttonous lives than we have.  With prosperity comes gluttony.  The people of the Great Depression years would be appalled by all that we waste.  Stop buying everything in bulk (unless it's something you'll actually use and not waste).  Put proper portions of food on the table for everyone.  Try to repair broken things and donate what you can no longer use.  Teach your kids to live more simply.