10 Simple Ways To Go Green

I truly believe in the notion that every little action counts, and I find this philosophy particularly important to hang on to when I read reports on the plight of the planet. Here are 10 easy green tips to cultivate your family’s awareness about the earth and its limited resources. Enjoy these for Earth Day and beyond:

1. Nurture your little reader

Kids love stories, so books offer an easy way for parents to introduce basic and more complex nature topics to children. Many bookstores and libraries currently have collections dedicated to nature themes. A couple of our current garden-inspired favorites include Zinnia's Flower Garden and The Gigantic Turnip.

2. Visit your local zoo or aquarium

I actually tend to feel a little conflicted seeing animals in captivity, but zoos and aquariums offer a wonderful way to introduce kids to animals. You can use these experiences as a springboard for conversations about endangered species, and the importance of protecting animals and undeveloped land. 

3. Plant a seed

Whether it’s in a cup, window box, or garden plot, gardening is a wonderful way to teach kids about nature. Marigolds are great if you want to experiment in cups or window boxes – they are easy to grow and kids love how colorful they are. (Be sure to check out this post on 9 tips for gardening on a budget!)

4. Consider composting

We have two compost receptacles and we have a TINY urban backyard! It's not hard; check out this post on how to compost in 5 easy steps!

5. Go green under the sink

Pull the toxic cleaning supplies from under your sink and replace them with green alternatives. More and more biodegradable, chemical free cleaning products are being made available at competitive prices. Also, inexpensive every day items like baking soda and lemon juice are actually my favorite first lines of cleaning defense!

6. Recycle from your recycling bin

The recycling bin can be a treasure trove for craft materials – whether it’s scrap paper or magazines (for doodling and collages), toilet paper rolls (for craft projects), or yogurt cups (for planting seeds).

7. Bring your own bags

Some cities (like Cambridge) make you pay for bags so why not get in the habit? Many stores offer their own inexpensive brand reusable totes, or there are lots of chic options out there!

8. Rethink your commute

Commuting car-free can be difficult if you live off of public transit, but consider carpooling, or driving to the nearest transit station that has a day lot. For errands, consider walking, biking, or taking public transport instead of using the car. 

9. Reduce paper mail

Unsubscribe from catalogs/paper lists whenever you can. Also, get on the online bill paying train to cut down on paper waste in the mail.

10. Make your dollars count

Consider even a small donation to an environmental organization (but ask them to not include you on their mass mail distribution to save on the follow up paper flyers!).

Featured photo by Daniel Hjalmarsson on Unsplash