Top tips for teaching kids about living a Zero Waste Life

As the old song goes “I believe that children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.” There is little hope for our planet if we don’t start teaching our children the importance of living the zero waste life.

One of the great things about children is that they are so open to new ideas and plans. When you teach them about the importance of something and ask for their help to solve a problem, they go all out with their enthusiasm and efforts.

Let’s take a look at some of the top ways we can instruct our children on how they can live a zero waste life and save the planet.

1. Let’s Talk Toys

Let’s face it. For kids, it’s all about the toys (OK, toys and candy). When they are very small, it’s easy to please them with dolls or toys made from wood, but what do you do once they are older? Most kids will understand if you explain the importance of not buying and creating new plastic . Encourage them to buy used plastic toys if they really want them. They will also surprise you with just how creative they can be when giving gifts for friends. Rather than another plastic dinosaur, they can give friends handmade “gift” cards for an hour at a rock climbing gym or a day at the zoo.

2. Teach Them How to Pack Their Own Zero Waste Lunch

It’s sad that we live in a disposable society, but watch how your child will blossom when you challenge them (with some help, depending on their age) to make their own zero waste school lunches. Let them look through thrift stores for metal lunch boxes, their own washable napkin, etc. They will have a blast doing this and, chances are, they will tell their friends about it, who, in turn, will hopefully ask their mom if they can do it too!

3. Show Them the Facts

Nothing is better than a close up encounter with plastic and trash from our throw away world. This year, why not visit www.cleanuptheworld.org and plan an activity with your child or children for World Clean Up Day, which runs the weekend of September 16-18 in 2016. You can help your kids organize their own activity or they join one in your area that is being organized.

By showing our children the massive amounts of garbage that accumulate from an irresponsible society, and then teaching them how they can take care of the planet they will  inherit, everyone wins! Let’s teach future generations why and how they can live a zero waste life!

American Disposal Services Inc. would like to remind you to be mindful of your environment and exercise your responsibility to nature.