From recycling bottles and cans to driving hybrid cars, everyone seems to want to ‘Go Green’ these days. All this mass, eco-movement activity is apparently an attempt to halt the damage done to the environment by numerous decades of human disregard for the planet’s delicate ecology and the mismanagement of its precious and limited resources.
While governments, non-profits, and private corporations wrestle with opinions, solutions and resolutions surrounding the larger problem, individuals and families form the first line of defense in positively affecting the environment. And, when it comes to enacting ecologically sound behaviors within the family homestead, Green Moms are leading the way.
Environmentally Conscious Green Moms
It should come as no surprise that mothers make green choices on a daily basis. Green Moms (mothers who are environmentally conscious and proactive) seek to effectively alter wasteful behaviors and habits running rampant within their family. In so doing, they consider a plethora of issues when deciding what is best for their loved ones and for the planet.
For instance, Green Moms are conscious about excess packaging in store-bought products, and the amount of trash the family discards. They think about recycling and reusing common household items. They grapple with picking the right light bulb and fret over how many times the toilet is flushed each day. Green Moms also know that being eco-friendly requires steady and consistent effort to make real and sustainable changes in the family lifestyle.
Eco-Friendly Households
Green Moms see opportunities for making environmentally sound lifestyle choices everywhere. They say no to plastic at the grocery store and opt instead for reusable bags. They hang clothes out to dry, whenever possible, rather than use the clothes dryer. They read labels and choose products made with the environment and personal health in mind, rather than products that add to the problem. At every turn, they think of ways to conserve energy, to be good to the planet, and to decrease waste.
When making eco-friendly household renovations or repairs, Green Moms opt for natural insulation products, solar units on the roof, low-VOC paints and environmentally safe sealers. They shop for recycled or naturally organic materials, and install low-flow water fixtures throughout the house. When they have questions, they consult with expert contractors, or knowledgeable, “green” home improvement service people, about how to utilize eco-friendly products within the family home.
Raising Green-Minded Children
The work of Green Moms doesn’t stop with objective household management. They know that their children are their greatest resource. They understand the importance and value in raising green-minded children, and in having them grow up with a greater respect for the earth and the environment than that of previous generations.
The children of Green Moms come to know about recycling, conservationism and eco-friendly living through value-reinforcing parent-child communication. These moms hope that by the time their children have their own families, the eco-movement will have become a routine part of every day life. Green Moms know full well that to make that future a reality, the time to start planting the seeds and educating children about the evils of over-consumption and environmental waste is when they are at their youngest and most eager to learn.
Instill Green Values Daily
The following are some ways that moms and dads can instill green values daily:
- Showing by example is usually best, so families can work together to correct bad habits. Moms can turn off the tap rather than running the water needlessly during tooth-brushing or dishwashing, turn off lights when a room is unoccupied, and unplugg or turn off electronic devices when not in use. Kids could play a game of “Energy Cop” and alert their parents’ attention to incidences of waste throughout the household.
- Prepare kids’ lunches with recyclable or reusable items. Pack meals in containers that are fully bio-degradable, or in stainless steel packaging that is free of lead, PVCs and phthalates. Eating utensils should be reusable, and washable, cloth napkins should be included so the kids can bring them home to be used over and over again.
- Green values can be instilled in children by planting a small, family vegetable garden. Teach the kids eco-friendly gardening techniques such as how to use table scraps for composting, and help them understand the benefits of natural fertilizers and plant food. Use a rain barrel to educate children about reusing water for feeding plants (or, for simple cleansing needs).
- Annual Earth Day activities are an excellent means of establishing a true commitment to saving the environment. Children can learn about pollution, landfills, deforestation, greenhouse gases, and a host of other environmental hazards and what to do about them. Children can also be encouraged to recycle batteries and ink cartridges, and to come up with new and creative uses for discarded items found in garbage bins. After all, one man’s trash is another’s treasure.
Stewards of the Earth
The next generation will be the stewards of the earth. It’s vital that children learn the importance of taking the initiative in being environmentally conscious. As the de facto heads of the household, moms can lead the charge in teaching their children to be more environmentally responsible. But, dads can also get involved, and both parents can research environmental awareness programs in the community, or within specific schools and local districts. Remember, learning is the first step towards change.
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