Turning green is a good thing when going green!
What can a kid do?
For just one person, the thought of saving the Earth by "going green" can be intimidating; but, every little bit helps. Start with the obvious simple, inexpensive ways when going green the easy way.
First, for kids and parents, you don't have to change your entire life or spend a lot of money to make a difference.
For kids going green:
- Turn off lights when leaving your room or kids zone
- Use less water when brushing your teeth or taking a bath
- Don't turn on the shower until you are ready to get into it - it takes a lot of electricity to pump water and to heat it
- Don’t be a litter bug
- Recycle responsibly
- Walk or ride your bike to school - go with a buddy
These are all simple and great ways of going green in a buzzing kids world.
For parents going green:
- Drive fewer miles.
- Shop at a supermarket near you instead of going to the one across town to save a dollar
- Heat or cool your home a little less - it saves energy and won't make that big a difference to you.
- Don't let the hose run continuously while washing your car
- Run electrical equipment only when you need it
- Be sure to turn off your oven immediately after you use it
- Keep your freezer full even if it means filling containers with water to make ice
- A full freezer saves electricity which helps when going green
- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs - use several to see a difference in your electric bill
- Buy manufactured items made nearby or through the Internet
- Think renewable and sustainable
- Buy locally grown foods that won't require energy for transportation
- Go to a pick your own vegetable farm - take the kids with you; it's a great way for kicking butt and going green at the same time while bonding as a family.
And these are all simple and great ways of going green in a buzzing kids world.
Later, as you make changes in your home environment by redecorating, paint it green by using one of the new "green paints" that have fewer fumes and toxins. They are not only eco-friendly, but are sweet-smelling and may have pleasing aromas such as talcum powder or flowers.
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Sherwin Williams' Duration Home interior latex paint, the second product in its GreenSure line, comes in 1,400 colors
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Robert Redford's Sundance catalog sells its Prairie Paint line in six colors including Wine and Hemp
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GreenSeal, a non-profit group in Washington, D.C., that certified products and services based on a list of environmental standards, now lists 88 paints
Traditional paint contains solvents called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that help give it consistency and texture when wet. As the paint dries, the solvents are released into the air giving off a new-paint smell, which contributes to smog and pollution. There are no solvents in the green paints and they are going green the easy way in a buzzing kids world. For more easy ways, visit the page on going green with a clean home environment. To see products that will help you go green visit the Buzz Shoppe.
