Kids Can Help the Environment, Too
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So many people place the emphasis of helping the environment or finding a “cure” for the Global Warming crisis on adults. World leaders, scientists, business CEO’s and even parents are constantly pressured to find solutions or “set a good example” for future generations to live by. What they apparently do not understand is with all the environmental problems we face today, age does not matter; everyone must do their part to help.
While not everyone is as lucky as Bindi Irwin to have extremely environmentally active parents like the late Steve Irwin, or Terri Irwin, there are many ways that kids, families, and everyone else can do their part to help out. Here is a list of 5 [seemingly] gross, but very simple and effective ways to help the earth.
- Eat Your Bugs!
This is one habit a lot of parents discourage. They find it to be gross, disgusting, and unhealthy. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Eating insects is something that has been done in many countries for a long time. While the idea of having a creepy-crawly slither down your throat is not very tempting, bugs are actually very high in protein. Whether you choose to have chocolate covered ants or stir-fry slugs, eating insects will greatly reduce your impact on the environment. - It’s Ok to be Dirty!
There is a saying, “cleanliness is next to godliness”; but the gods don’t live here. How many of you wash your hair every day? If you do, stop it. Hairstylists can confirm that washing your hair everyday is actually more damaging than helpful, because it can cause your hair to dry out and become greasy at a much quicker pace. Try to thin it out to several times a month, rather than every single day. Your hair will be healthier, and all those fish won’t have to suffer from the hair care chemicals you keep sending down the drain. - Just Say “NO” to Toilet Seat Covers!
When people use a public restroom, their first instinct is usually to put down a toilet seat cover (if they are available). Who knows what germs, bacteria or diseases could be transmitted from sitting on that toilet seat! Here’s a scary fact for you: those toilet seat covers—which are made of extremely thin paper—do absolutely nothing for you. Sitting down is ok, as most STD-causing organisms and the like will not survive long enough on the seat to really do anything. Plus, with all the covers you don’t use, think of how many trees you will save! - Let Your Pool Go to the Fish!
Many people are starting to turn their outdoor pools into outdoor ponds. This means doing away with the clear-blue, chlorinated water and allowing your pool to become a natural, self-regulated ecosystem. By doing this, you can create a home for native flora and fauna, and still have a place to swim; without it becoming a breeding ground for pesky insects. Just be careful if you live near places like the Florida Everglades; you wouldn’t want to get caught swimming with an alligator or crocodile. - Pee is Nature’s Fertilizer
Mentioned in a previous article; urine has been used for centuries to fertilize crops and gardens. Also, adding it to your compost pile will greatly help plant growth as well. Be sure to add some water or ash to it though, as too much could be damaging to your plants. Also, relieving yourself while in the shower (although not that tempting) will save you a toilet flush (and a bit on the next water bill), since all drains lead to the same place anyway.
These are just some of the things you or your kids can do to help the environment. The next time you try to discourage them from doing one of these dirty deeds, stop and think of what their actions can do for the earth.
By Heidi Marshall
Additional resources:
Nickelodeon’s The Big Green Help
5 Ways Kids Can Help The Environment
10 Things Kids Can Do To Help
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Tags: eco-friendly habits, environmental activism, gross kid habits, Kids
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