R.,
It's great you are wanting to raise your children to be more conscientious about our world and how we affect it by the choices we make..such as using less energy, recycaling, re-using, etc. Really the best way to raise your children with an aware and compassionate mind and heart is to just live that way. Spend more time outdoors in nature, talk about how our natural world works and what people can do to help or hurt it. Plant some flowers, start a garden with your own veggies, herbs, and/or fruit. Be a mindful consumer. Use less water every chance you get. Watch Planet Earth together (Completely amazing and beautiful!) Do you eat out more or cook at home more? Let them help you cook using fresh organic (when you can buy them) ingredients. Visit a farmers market. Are you crafty? Have kids help you make gifts instead of buying them. Ask them questions (I don't know their ages...so age appropriate ones:), about what they can do to protect Mother Earth. When weather is nice in Phx, ride your bike, walk, take the light rail, or bus instead of driving. (That's a difficult one in this city, so do what you can. It's just another option). Make your own paper using recycled materials or things from nature. (There are paper making kits that help you get started.) Do you take your own bags to the store when you shop? They see that. Do you practice or have a certain faith/religion? Teaching your children to be grateful for everything they have through prayer or meditation will inspire and encourage them. Buy locally whenever possible...or at least things made in the US. Talk to kids why it's important to buy U.S. made products when possible.....It's not just the economy that benefits, but it decreases the use of oil that is used to power the boats, planes, trucks to get it to the stores here. Which decreases air pollution. It promotes smaller businesses and individuals to thrive in their business. Is it more expensive to buy locally or U.S. made? YES, often it is. But if you are going to be consuming less and being more aware of what you actually need or want, in time you'll be able to buy that more expensive and probably better quality item. I digress...but the point is to LIVE a life being mindful of every action you take and how it will affect our world and eventually the children. I'm sure there are tons of websites that can give you tons of ideas, but I don't know any off hand. Just do your best at any given moment. It's really all anyone can do. But I applaud you in your efforts and your seeking a mindful, respectful, compassionate, and conscientious way to live and raise your children.
Best of luck living Green:)
In Peace,
A.
Granola Crunchy woman in spirit (I don't own any Birkenstocks:), and mom of 4 "green" kids:)
www.birthingfromwithin.com
