Take Action!: Protecting the Environment with Your Preschooler

Exposing children to environmental awareness at an early age will empower them with the knowledge that their actions are significant and that they too can have a role in changing the world.

Here are some simple actions you and your children can take to protect the environment.

• At your next family birthday party, save the ribbons and wrap for your child's art supply box.
• As a family, get involved in community clean-up initiatives or tree-planting events.
• Wherever possible walk or ride bikes to your destination. Explain to children that fewer cars on the road mean less pollution in the air.
• Teach children about the importance of turning off lights, televisions, computers, etc. when leaving a room in order to conserve electricity.
• When colouring, encourage children to use a pad or both sides of the sheet to conserve paper. Don't forget to recycle papers you don't need or want to keep.
• Have your children turn off the tap while brushing their teeth or washing their hands and face.
• Encourage children to participate in recycling at home.
• When your child has outgrown or lost interest in a toy, have him/her recycle it by donating it to a charity or children's hospital.
• Try packing sandwiches, snacks and even drinks in reusable containers. Use cloth napkins and reusable cutlery and lunch boxes instead of a disposable bags.

For more information, please check out Tree of Life: The Incredible Biodiversity of Life on Earth by Rochelle Strauss published by Kids Can Press.

By Rochelle Strauss