EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY TOGETHER
Written by Lucy Hall
Modern life has demonstrated that the care of the planet is not a duty anymore, but is also a fantastic opportunity to bring families closer together. Being greener can become a bedrock of family life, inspiring bonding between each other and the Earth we love so much. Whether you’re taking baby steps into sustainability or are seasoned advocates for the environment, there are a lot of activities that can be both fun and educational for families to explore together.
A Family Garden
One of the most rewarding eco-friendly activities is to create a family garden. This will enhance not only your home’s aesthetics, but it will be a hands-on learning experience about nature, ecology and food cycles. Start small and manageable, perhaps a few pots on a balcony or a section of your backyard. Involve the kids in planning what to plant? Should it be a bright flowery garden, an aromatic herb garden or maybe even a vegetable garden? Regardless of what type of garden you choose, gardening teaches patience and the nurturing needed to grow plants. Plus, if you choose a veggie garden, there is something magical about picking your own and sitting down to eat it together.
Nature Walks and Clean-Ups
Nature walks on a regular basis can be quite enlightening for your family. While you’ll all start to appreciate the beauty of local parks and trails, it is also a great way to get you to talk about the importance of biodiversity and keeping these ecosystems healthy. Integrate clean-up activities during your nature walks. Bring along reusable bags and gloves, and collect litter found. This small gesture will bring about a major difference in your community and instil a sense of responsibility and stewardship in the children.
Eco-Friendly Crafts
Some of the best recyclable activities can be found in arts and crafts. Plan a craft day where everyone brings items from around the home, such as old clothes, newspapers or containers and let your imagination run wild! Turn a glass jar into a beautiful lantern or vase, use fabric scraps and turn them into a unique patchwork creation, this will enhance creativity and also teach your kids that reusing and repurposing materials is an important step to help cut down on waste while having fun.
Eco-Friendly Cooking Nights
Why not turn your kitchen into an eco-friendly zone that the kids will love. Try and allocate one night per week or fortnight to cook a meal together as a family. You can choose locally sourced ingredients to reduce your carbon footprint. You could even challenge each other to create dishes from a specific local theme or ingredient. Discussion on the environmental effects of factory farming versus organic farming and seasonal produce can be discussed as you chop up your veggies. It might even provide a way to better eating habits and an appreciation for home cooked meals.
Participating in Community Events
Most cities and communities have environmental events, like tree-planting days, farmers markets, clean up days, etc. Get involved! Joining these types of activities demonstrates to your family the value of community, but you also get to meet other people with similar interests. These events are usually tied in with fun educational segments that inform kids and adults about various environmental issues combining education with compassion for Mother Earth.
Family Game Night with an Eco-Twist
Why not make family game night a bit more sustainable? Choose games that educate on environmental issues or create your own. For example, you can design a trivia game with questions about endangered species, recycling facts or global warming.
Sustainable Fashion Swap
Clothing is one of the largest environmental contributors when it comes to consumerism. Why not organise your family and friends to exchange clothes instead of buying new. Turn it into a fun event where everyone brings a few items to trade. This can foster a sense of gratitude for what you have, while also sparking conversations about fast fashion and the environment.
Camping Under the Stars
Consider organising a family camping trip whether it’s in your backyard or a nearby campsite. Camping promotes a deeper appreciation for nature and can be a fantastic way to unplug from daily life and technology. While you are out in nature, engage in activities like star gazing, identifying different plants or reading up on local wildlife. Discuss the impact of human activities on these natural spaces and brainstorm ways to minimise that impact, allowing for both fun and learning.
Eco-Friendly Tech Together
With technology being such a huge part of our lives, why not explore eco-friendly tech as a family? Research together about companies that prioritise sustainability and consider incorporating more eco-friendly gadgets into your home. This can be educational and practical, turning your home into a more sustainable space while discovering new technologies together. This could include everything from solar chargers to energy-efficient appliances.
Incorporating eco-friendly activities into your family’s lifestyle can create meaningful memories while fostering a love and respect for the Earth. It teaches children the importance of sustainability in a tangible way and can transform how your family views nature. These shared experiences, filled with laughter and learning, can lay the groundwork for lifelong eco-conscious behaviours. As you embark on these activities, remember that every small step counts, and collectively, these actions can lead to a brighter and greener future for generations to come. Embrace the journey together, and watch as your family’s love for the Earth flourishes.