How can I be more Green babysitting my brother, a toddler, all this summer?

Question

I'm 15 so I can't drive, so I'll already be biking/walking/taking public trans, but what other ways can you be green with a toddler?

Answer 1

Hi, you could teach him to turn lights off when leaving a room or when not needed and to turn the water off. He may not be able to do these things himself yet, but he will learn by seeing you do them. In that same way you can teach him about not littering. Tell him  that trash goes in the garbage can when you throw something out, especially when out and about. Some one else said that parents probably don't want their kids picking up trash, but I think its fine, to a point. If you see a paper on the ground you could point it out, pick it up and throw it away. He may start doing it too. You just have to watch him so he doesn't pick up everything, like stuff that's really dirty, wet or anything that could hurt him.

Also, though not necessarily doing anything for the earth, would be to teach him about nature. Show him plants and bugs in the yard or park, pretend to be trees blowing in the wind, get books from the nonfiction section of the library that show real plants and animals and read/tell him about them. Color pictures of plants and animals.

Anyway, just some ideas that I hope will help you have a great summer with your brother.

Answer 2

Try some crafts that include recycling items such as milk jugs or toilet paper rolls. Throw on some gloves and take the kids to a local park to clean up some litter. Have fun!

Answer 3

Excellent question!  I just wish I knew of an answer!

I guess anything you can think of to help recycle goods, or make projects out of "trash" can be greener.

As a parent, I wouldn't feel comfortable with my toddlers picking up trash and I don't think they'd keep the gloves on - especially in the heat.

Maybe plant a garden and get them to help, or do something "green" yourself and let them feel like they are helping and capable of handling "big kid" projects?

I hope you get some great answers!