Earth Day 2006: Baby steps to making a difference

by Stephanie Kenney

*As mothers, we constantly hear that our children learn from us what is important. They watch and listen to the cues we give them. We strive to set good examples for them by how we act, what we eat, teaching them what is right and more. It is also a good time to teach them (and maybe learn ourselves!) about keeping the earth healthy. Just as there are different ways to teach other healthy habits, we can begin small or jump in full scale with respect to the Earth.

We can teach our children to save energy, to recycle, to buy organic foods-and therefore limit pesticide use, save water and more. Start small with saving energy: turn off lights and appliances when they are not being used. If buying a new appliance, purchase one that is 'energy star' approved (www.energystar.gov).
We can teach our children to let more of nature in-and keep off the heat and air when necessary.

Recycling is an easy and inexpensive (or free!) way to get children involved. They like to 'help', to sort things and it gives them a sense of pride and ownership in something meaningful. You could begin by recycling papers, then add aluminum cans, milk cartons and others. By taking advantage of area recylcing centers, you can add glass, egg cartons, batteriers and many more! Another way to promote a healthy relationship with the Earth is to learn about organic farming and foods. (www.organicconsumers.org).

Organic foods are those made without the use of pesticides, which are harmful not only to the earth, but also to our bodies (and espeically to those of developing children!) Again, there are many opportunities to get involved. You could begin by purchasing some or all of you foods organically. Then, you could move on to your yard: use little or no pesticides for the grass and your garden, but instead use natural alternatives (www.refusetousechemlawn.org).

Saving water is an easy thing to accomplish, as well. Simply turning off the water while brushing teeth saves gallons of water. Washing dishes or laundry when there is a full load saves water, as does sweeping your sidewalks (and not hosing them off), watering your yard at the coolest (early morning) time of day. You could even have a rain barrel (www.bridgingthegap.org) to catch runoff from gutters, which can help save water and helps city sewers. Finally, teach your children to respect the earth. Simple lessons, such as "don't litter" or exploring the colors and beauty provided in nature. It will take years to undo damage the the Earth, but we can help our children learn a healthy repect and begin the repairs.
Information for this article found, in part, at www.earthday.gov/athome.html