Teaching kids good habits is like teaching them to brush their teeth—at first, it’s a struggle, but eventually, it becomes second nature. The same goes for sustainable habits. When done right with a little creativity and patience, green parenting can raise eco-conscious kids and set them up for a lifetime of good habits that benefit the planet (and maybe even your household budget).
Why Teach Kids Sustainable Habits?
Why should we encourage kids to embrace sustainable habits? Simple: children are the future, and instilling green practices early on can create lifelong environmental stewards. According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) small behavioural changes like recycling or reducing single-use plastics can significantly impact our planet’s health.
Kids learn from everything we do. From turning off lights to using reusable water bottles, they’re watching—and mimicking—us. Teaching them sustainable habits early on is like giving them a superpower to make better choices as they grow. Involving them now makes it less likely that they’ll grow up thinking recycling is just an optional thing for adults. Imagine the impact if every household raised kids who could confidently say, “No thanks, I brought my own!” to single-use plastics.
10 Ways to Encourage Kids to Go Green
Make Recycling a Colourful Competition
Recycling doesn’t have to be another mundane chore. Set up colour-coded bins and turn sorting recyclables into a family game. Add a point system and declare a “Recycler of the Week.” Bonus? You’re teaching them what goes where while having a giggle at their excitement over the cardboard box “win.”
Hello Green Recommendation: Sachi Reusable Sandwich & Snack Pockets are a brilliant way to cut down on single-use plastic in packed lunches. Let kids pack their own snacks in them as part of their zero-waste contribution.
Use Reusables for Lunch and Snacks
Say goodbye to cling wrap and hello to reusable, stylish lunch gear. Kids love anything that feels unique, so let them choose their favourite designs.
Hello Green Recommendation:
- b.box Bento Lunch Box (2L): With its generous compartments, this box lets kids get creative by building balanced meals. Let them pack their own lunch and feel ownership over their choices.
- Bentgo Modern Bento Lunch Box: Add a small note inside (like a fun fact about sustainability) to surprise them and keep the green conversation going at school.
Save Water Together
Make water conservation a game. Who can have the shortest shower? Or spot the most water-wasting habits around the house? Create a star chart to keep track, with small prizes like a weekend family picnic for the winner.
Hello Green Recommendation:The Klean Kanteen Kid Classic S/S Bottle not only keeps their water cool but also eliminates the need for single-use bottles. Let them decorate it with stickers to make it their own.
Start a Family Garden
Whether it’s a veggie patch or a pot of herbs on the balcony, gardening teaches kids patience, responsibility, and the magic of growing your own food. Watching their carrots sprout is way more exciting than screen time (well, sometimes).
Hello Green Tip: Use eco-friendly products like plant tags to help them label their plants—educational and eco-friendly!
Bonus Idea: Take a “garden selfie” with their first harvest. It’s a great way to encourage pride in their work and document the journey.
Turn Old Things Into New Creations
Kids love crafts, and turning recyclables into DIY projects is a win-win. Old jars can become funky pencil holders, and cardboard boxes can morph into castles.
Hello Green Tip: Store their craft supplies in reusable storage containers. It’s tidy, sustainable, and makes finding their stuff a lot easier.
Activity Suggestion: Have a family craft night and challenge everyone to make something out of “trash.” Reward the most creative idea with a homemade trophy (crafted from recyclables, of course).
Teach Eco-Friendly Living Through Stories
Books have a way of making even the heaviest topics approachable. Watch movies likeThe Lorax or read stories likeCompost Stew together to inspire eco-friendly thinking. Follow it up with a chat about what they can do to be their own planet-saving hero.
Hello Green Tip: Start your own “eco-library” at home. Every time they complete a book about the environment, add a leaf to their reading tree chart.
Batch Cook Snacks Together
Involve kids in prepping their own snacks for school. It’s not just about food; it’s about learning to reduce food waste. Chop up some veggies, whip up a batch of muffins, and portion them out into reusable containers.
Hello Green Recommendation: Use the OmieBox 2.0 Smarter Bento Box to keep snacks fresh and fun. The insulated compartment is perfect for hot or cold treats.
Organise a Local Clean-Up Day
Pick a park, beach, or even your street, and turn litter-picking into an adventure. Armed with gloves and a few reusable bags, your kids can see firsthand the difference they can make in keeping the environment clean.
Hello Green Recommendation:
- Make sure everyone’s hydrated during the clean-up. Use the Earthware Earth Bottle Premium Insulated Water Bottle that is sturdy, leak-proof, and keeps your drinks at the perfect temperature—definitely the best water bottle for any activity or adventure.
- Put their lunches in a durable and stylish The Fox Club Easy Carry Insulated Lunch Bag that’s spacious and can keep meals fresh.
Family Challenge: Collect as much litter as possible in one hour. Winner gets to pick dinner that night!
Make "Switching Off" a Routine
Earth Hour may be an annual event, but you can absolutely do it more than once a year. Teach kids to turn off lights, fans, and devices when not in use. Make it a challenge—who can spot the most energy-saving opportunities during the day? Create an “Eco-Switcher” leaderboard to keep things competitive.
Hello Green Tip: Set up a family “dark hour” once a week, where all devices are turned off for an hour. Play board games, read by candlelight, or simply enjoy a bit of quiet time together.
Celebrate Sustainable Choices
Reward eco-friendly actions with experiences, not things. Extra playtime, a family movie night, or letting them choose the weekend activity are great motivators. Celebrate every win, no matter how small, and let them know their choices matter.
Green Parenting, Made Simple
Sustainability doesn’t have to mean complicated changes or expensive swaps. With the right tools and a little creativity, it’s easy to make eco-friendly living a natural part of your family’s routine. Start small, make it fun, and remember—you’re planting seeds for a greener future.
