Riding bikes, nature hikes and outdoor picnics are all opportunities to teach about conservation and have a little fun.

For adults, it’s pretty easy to understand the concept of conservation. Frugality goes hand-in-hand with conservation, and it usually takes only one really high electric or water bill to get the idea that what you do impacts what you have (or have left.)

Kids learn the most from the good examples set for them by others. But they may still need some help to understand that there is a good reason to turn the water off when you brush your teeth.

By teaching our kids about protecting and managing our natural resources, we encourage them to be good custodians of their own future. By teaching basic conservation ideas, our kids will be able to protect not only their future, but the future of the next generation as well.

Top 6 Ways To Teach Kids About Conservation

Make It Fun. Riding bikes, nature hikes and outdoor picnics are all opportunities to teach about conservation and have a little fun. Talk about how riding your bike to the park instead of driving saves fuel and other non-renewable resources. During a long walk or nature hike, talk to your kids about animals and plant life and the different ways we can protect and nurture them. A picnic is an opportunity to teach about eating sustainable food sources and the importance of picking up litter.

Set a good example. If your kids see you put conservation in action, they’ll be more likely to do it, too. Talk with your children about what recycling means, and show your kids how to recycle. Find some recycling facts at http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/recycle.htm

Or check out Recycle City for kids K-5.

Teach your kids about “creative reuse” or what we grownups would call upcycling. Encouraging kids to be creative and artistic when finding ways to reuse an item will make it fun. Turn lights off when you leave the room. Your kids will follow your example.

Encourage empathy. For instance, talk to your kids about water conservation. We here in the U.S. are so very blessed to have an unlimited supply of clean, available water. But other countries are not so fortunate. Talk to your kids about why it’s important to conserve water. Ask them to read about other countries, like Africa, where clean water is scarce. Encourage them to think about how it would feel not to be able to turn on the tap and get a glass of water.

Get involved. And encourage your kids to get involved. Help them set up a recycling center at their school. Help them have a garage sale and donate the proceeds to the local animal shelter. Tap into whatever your child is interested in and support them as they work toward that cause. Explain to them why you participate in the causes you support. There may even by opportunities for you to volunteer together. By participating together in community events that promote conservation, you help your child see the value of his contribution, and how it does make a difference.

Talk about responsibility. You don’t want to scare your kids of course, but it’s still important to talk to them about the idea that they will be responsible for what happens in the future. Encourage them to act responsibly and do the right thing by taking care of the planet.

Repeat as necessary. Kids  attention span is short. So you may have to repeat the message over and over. Just do it. The earth will thank you, and so will your kids, eventually.

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