Introducing your kids to green living is far easier than you think…trust me!  Here are seven easy and effective ways to teach them the value of eco-friendly practices while being a life-size example yourself.

Teach your kids about green living by simply setting an example.

Opt for an Active Lifestyle – Show your children the value of being active and enjoying the great outdoors; walk, bike, and play with them frequently.

Use Public Transportation – If you live in an area where it’s readily available, use public transportation with your children as much as possible.  We know…easier said than done, right?  But demonstrating a commitment to mass transit by taking buses and trains not only shows your kids your diligence to living green, it’ll save you some green as well!

Visit a Local Farmers’ Market – Taking the kids regularly during the warm summer months to local farmers’ markets and stands is a great way to introduce them to delicious, fresh produce that’s grown locally.  Not to mention the produce sold there is typically cheaper and much higher quality than what you’ll find at the local supermarket.

Plant a Garden – In the same vein, why not plant a garden of your own?  It’s an enjoyable, educational project for the whole family, one that can instill responsibility and green living simultaneously.  Plus, you’ll be able to reap the fruits of all your hard work…literally!

Encourage Conservation – Teach your kids the importance of conservation by encouraging simple acts such as turning off the water while brushing their teeth or switching off lights when they leave a room.

Reduce Consumption– Purchase well-made, durable toys that fit an eco-friendly lifestyle (think locally produced and natural materials) and encourage your kids to donate toys, clothes, and other items they’ve outgrown to children in need (we love FreeCycle, a free network where you can give and get perfectly-good items from others in your very own community).  Teach them to limit food waste by eating healthy portions and cut down on paper waste by recycling scraps, printing only when necessary, and using newspaper and other materials for gift wrap.

Recycle! – Perhaps one of the easiest and most effective ways to implement a green practice at home is simply recycling.  Give each of your children a specific recycling job such as separating the recyclables (glass, aluminum cans, newspapers, cardboard, etc.) from the family trash or setting out the recycle bin once a week.  Children learn by example and including the whole family in recycling efforts offers them practical experience they’re likely to carry over into adulthood.  Need some help getting started?  Check out RecycleNow to find out how to start recycling at home in just four easy steps.