Parents with young children are as concerned about the environment as everyone else. However, with limited budgets and limited time, they often feel like their hands are tied when it comes to cutting back on their carbon footprint.
The following 5 green tips are easy ways that parents can help the Earth without disrupting their daily schedule or spending a lot of money
Visit the library
Reading out loud to your little one is important for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it helps stimulate their imagination, improves their listening comprehension skills and increases their attention span.
However, rather than feeling like you have to buy a bunch of books that will eventually wind up in the landfill, take a trip to the library. It won’t cost you any money, and you and your child will have fun perusing all the different book choices.
Take a walk
If you live within walking distance of a shopping center, strap your little one in a stroller or a baby-wearing device and head out.
By leaving your car at home, you are reducing your carbon footprint, and you are getting the exercise you need to stay in shape. In addition, these walks will be a fun adventure that you and your child look forward to doing together each week.
Adjust your thermostat
Many parents worry that their babies are too cold, when in fact, infants and toddlers have a tendency to overheat quite easily. Adjusting your thermostat a few degrees cooler in the winter will solve a number of problems.
First, it will save you money. It is also good for the environment, and if you make sure that your baby wears layers, he or she will still stay warm even when the temperature inside is a little cooler.
Buy local
Whenever possible, support local businesses, like Rochester farmer’s markets or Rochester pest control technicians. If a business does not have to travel far to bring its goods or services to you, less fuel is consumed, and that is good for the environment.
Plant a garden
You don’t have to be a gardening expert to have a small space with tomatoes or carrots. And, whenever you eat homegrown foods, you are benefiting the environment in much the same way as when you patronize local businesses.
Fewer trucks bringing fruits and vegetables to the grocery store saves both fossil fuels and energy.
Even busy parents, with limited resources, have the potential to make a positive impact on the environment. By following the five tips above, you can make the Earth a better place to live for your children, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money doing it!
