Plastics are one of the major sources of pollution on this planet. About 50 billion bottles of plastics are disposed of every year and many countries have already started banning the use of plastics because of the damage it causes. Now that adults have started taking steps to create a cleaner planet for the next generations, it is equally important for children to get involved in these processes. Creating more plastic free kids will only encourage eco-friendly habits.
It might be tough for little children to understand the importance and magnitude of the pollution issues and why they must take some steps to reduce their use of plastics. Children should learn to get used to plastic-free environments because the future is in their hands. They must create a cleaner world for them to live in.
You can teach your children about plastic by making efforts to reduce the amount of plastic used around your home and you could involve them in activities that will help them learn about the problem and what they can do from their side to help.
These plastic free ideas for kids are a great way to reduce pollution.
When you pack your children’s lunch, try to switch to non-disposable alternatives. This is an amazing way to teach your child to go zero waste when not at home and even involve other people. Therefore, instead of using plastic wraps and containers they can use reusable containers. This will save money in the long run though it might cost more than disposable options. These containers can be taken when they go for sleepovers, road trips, or camping trips making them a good investment.
Almost every toy for children is wrapped in plastic or even made out of thick plastic. Refusing such toys is a good way to start teaching children. Instead of plastic toys, you can request the family members for books or heirloom gifts like wooden toys and teddy bears. If your child is going for a birthday party then request the family not to present your child with any party flavours because these are mostly made out of plastic. Your child might find this very hard at the beginning but you are involving your child in a zero waste learning process. They will feel empowered in the long run. When the child is giving gifts, remember to get something that can be kept for many years and not something that is easily thrown away.
Another great way for helping your child go plastic-free is gifting them little jars that they can take to the ice cream parlour. Normally, ice creams are given with plastic spoons and put into Styrofoam or plastic cups. Instead of this, your child can take their own Mason jars and metal or wooden spoons. This is a little lifestyle change that will have a great impact on our planet for the future. This is a continued interactive method that will help your child involve in steps to create a waste-free future.
If your kids are a little older then this is another great way to get rid of the waste. Assignments usually take a lot of paper and plastic files which will mostly end up being thrown away. Requesting the teacher to give digital homework will encourage the children to remain waste-free outside the home and solidify a lifestyle that is zero waste. Also, it is an amazing way to involve technology in a sustainable and responsible way.
This is one of the most important ways to help the child reduce waste though this is a very common method. The concept of “no plastic in the house” can become a strict rule. Though this might be very hard to implement at the beginning, when done creatively, it can become a very fun family activity.
From decorations to party favours, birthday parties involve a lot of plastic. You will find many fun and convenient party options made out of plastic but you can swap these items with eco-friendly alternatives.
Plastic is not just harmful to the planet, it is harmful to the health of your children. It is made of chemicals and dangerous ingredients which will have effects in the long run. Therefore, it is best when parents help to set an example for a plastic-free lifestyle. When the children have a plastic free childhood, it can help them build a world without pollution in the future.