Research published by Statistics Canada found climate change is a top-five issue for our youth, and they care about “promoting sustainable practices and engaging in environmental action.”
It’s so important to them that many are actively making changes to their behaviours to help protect the Earth. In 2019, more than half of Gen Z’s (now 11 to 26 years old) were biking, walking and recycling more often. What’s more, 62 percent of our young folks agreed our country has an obligation to be leaders when it comes to addressing climate change.
Since being a good eco-citizen starts at home, here are three ways to make sustainability as easy as One-Two-Three.
Teach the Three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
This can be applied to everything from kitchen waste and holiday decorations, to donating clothes and toys.
Make play dates with Mother Nature a priority.
Allow your children to build a healthy connection with the great outdoors. Plant flowers and sustainable gardens, pack litter-free picnics to enjoy in the park, swim in lakes, go on nature walks, explore forests, participate in community cleanups and talk about how important it is to take care of plants and animals.
Read all about it.
If reading is a cherished ritual in your family, why not include books about the environment? You might be surprised to learn there are a ton of wonderful reads that speak to all age groups in this genre. As you know, books engage the mind, spark meaningful conversation and can leave a lasting impression.
– Lisa van de Geyn
