How to make a changeHowever, the best way to motivate them to make a change, is by involving them in decisions and reminding them why the environment is worth fighting for in the first place. As writer, Timothy Devinney notes, “What is clear is that the global environmental movement is facing an uphill battle to keep key sustainability issues on the agenda against issues that seem more relevant to individual members of society… Make environmental issues as relevant and personal as access to medicine or freedom from discrimination. Individuals will prioritise sustainability issues if the issues are critical to everyday life.” These are just a handful of ways to bring the fun back into being an eco warrior:
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There are numerous
benefits in allowing your children to play with pets and learning to care about them - for parents, too! (Image by Freeimages.com) |
One great way to motivate children is to promise that any amount of money saved on energy, can go towards a fun day out – let them choose the time and place to spend whatever you save. Encourage older children to compare energy prices – there are many online resources that will help you compare gas vs electricity costs, for instance. Making a switch from one type of energy to another might result in considerable savings.
Older kids can also calculate how much energy appliances consume, so you can formulate a plan to reduce energy expenditure. Of course, simple steps such as using a programmable thermostat will significantly lower your heating costs. Getting kids excited about saving energy will not only help the environment; it will also teach them the importance of saving, a skill that will benefit them throughout their life.
Children who grow up alongside pets benefits not only benefit from the stress-relieving effects of their four-pawed friends; they also develop a sense of comfort around, and love for, animals. As Timothy Devinney, mentioned above, notes, it’s got to be personal to matter, and children are more likely to care about animals they see around them, than exotic animals they read about which are going extinct. Start with nearby goals and eventually, kids will look farther afield.
Instead of throwing away unwanted items and décor pieces in your home, create upcycled artwork. Pinterest is a magnificent source of ideas on art mad with items such as bottlecaps, old brushes and even egg cartons.
Site last updated: 15. January 2021
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