Adults always seem to be talking about "going green" and making the planet healthier, but you wonder if children can help out too. The good news is children can be just as helpful as adults. In fact, if you follow some easy methods of going green, you may even be able to encourage your parents to make more earth-friendly decisions for your whole family.
Reuse or Recycle
If you have old newspapers and magazines lying around your house, you can turn them into art projects such as collages and papier mache, use them to wrap gifts and to stuff gift boxes. Ask your parents for help coming up with other ways to turn unwanted items into art. You may, for example, turn old CDs into Christmas ornaments, old plastic bottles into toy boats and scrap paper into coloring paper. If you can't come up with any way to reuse an item in your house, place it into your recycling bin for pickup. If your house doesn't have a recycling bin, ask your parents to take you to a recycling center, and you may even be able to earn some money in exchange for recycled items.
Watch Water Use
According to Scholastic.com, if you and your family use half as much water as you normally do, you will conserve energy, reduce air pollution and create additional clean and drinkable water. To reduce how much water you use, commit to taking shorter showers. When you brush your teeth and wash your hands, only turn on the faucet when you need the water to rinse your toothbrush or hands. Also, talk to your parents about implementing an age-old toilet flushing rule: "If it's yellow, let it mellow. If it's brown, flush it down."
Plant a Tree
Ask your parents to help you plant a tree on the south side of your house. According to NationalGeographic.com, if you pick a leafy tree that loses its leaves during the fall, your house will still receive sunshine in the winter, but the tree's shade will keep your house cooler in the summer so you won't need to use as much air conditioning. Planting a tree also creates more oxygen and cuts back on damaging carbon dioxide.
Turn off Power
Practice unplugging electronics, such as the television, computer and battery chargers, when you're not using them. Also turn off lights when you leave a room or you don't truly need them. In the sunniest hours of the day you may not need to use any artificial lighting if you just keep the curtains open. Ask your family to participate, and you may even have some fun. For example, you may institute a day each month when all family members are required to shut off electronic devices and enjoy simple pleasures, such as knitting, having a picnic outside and playing card games.
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