Make a game out of going green

Encouraging kids to recycle and live in an environmentally friendly way can sure be a challenge. I know even my peers at college, who are old enough to know the difference between recycling and garbage, still forget to throw their bottles in the blue bin 99% of the time. To a lot of people being environmentally friendly is low down on the list of priorities, and I must admit I am not the most environmentally friendly person either.

This past year, however, I lived with the president of my schools Green Society and my living habits were in for a wake up call. My roommate learned that one of the best ways to help us to remember to turn off lights and recycle was to make a game out of it. In fact, she decided to implement one of her games campus wide to involve all of the dorm residents.

She called it the blackout challenge, and she rewarded the dorm on campus that saved the most electricity over a month period with a pizza party and t-shirts. This challenge was a big hit and I’m sure kids would get a kick out of turning going green into a game. Here are some ideas for fun challenges to start with your kids!

Turn off the lights

A big part of going green is learning to turn off the lights when you exit a room. Using unneeded electricity is a huge waste and can run up your bill! When you notice that one of your kids left a room without turning off the TV or lights you can fine them a small amount of money such as a nickel or dime for every time they forget. In return when they catch you forgetting to turn off an appliance they can fine you double! In the end the money that accumulates in the fine jar can be used for something fun or for teaching your kids how to give to charity.

Recycling

Recycling is easy enough to do if you just remember to do it! Having a big bin next to your trash can for recyclables is a great reminder. Every time your kids fill up the recycling bin with cans or paper give them a little special treat whether it’s a fun movie night or a new little toy that they have been eyeing. This will encourage them to truly think about what is recyclable because the faster they fill the bin up the faster they receive their fun prize!

Grow your own fresh foods

Growing your own fresh foods is not only a treat to eat but it’s also a great lesson for kids. Have your kids plant a little garden full of yummy vegetable plants and if your looking to get serious even some fruit trees or bushes! Once their plants are full-grown come up with some great ideas of foods they would love to eat with their newly grown foods. For example if you help your child grow tomatoes you could make a pizza with fresh tomato sauce. A fun way to be green and healthy at the same time!