The other day I wrote down… “Sustainability, a whole systems approach, applies to all facets of life: from communicating with stakeholders to incorporating solar panels on a roof. Sustainability takes community action and collaboration and I believe in order to make progress you need a creative facilitator and organizer …. I have gained the skills, awareness, and values that I want to instill in my children and my community….As the change in season arrives here in the Valley, I am blessed again with hope’s eternal renewal.”
So how do we talk to our children about sustainability?
Save some for tomorrow ie. “Asher, please don’t pull all the toilet paper off the roll. We need to save some for tomorrow.”
Let’s look for other ways to find a solution, any ideas? ie. “We have a problem, we only have one toy and two people who want to use it, any ideas?
Maybe we need to change what it is that makes us happy ie. “Do you want to go for a car ride?” I ask the kids hoping they fall asleep.
“No! Can’t we walk there?”
Alternative energy ie.
“What’s oil, Momma?”
“It’s thick and dark like maple syrup and from deep down in the earth, it helps machines work but there isn’t much left.”
“Why?”
“We are using it all up and we need to find different ways to run our machines and heat our homes.”
“Like what?”
“Sun, wind and water.”
“Yay! Sun, wind and water!”
“Maybe when you are a grown up you can help people find different ways to do things that are healthier for themselves and the planet.”
“I want to be a builder.”
Respect all creatures no matter how small. ie. “No, Finn, be careful.” I overhear the boys in the bathroom. Then I hear running water.
“She’s thirsty…here. Yeah, pick her up but don’t squish or stomp on her.”
“Mom! Ladybug!” yells Asher. “Lay BUG!” repeats Finn. “She’s alive!” “She’s live!”
These are great examples, Karen–just right, I think–not too scary or overwhelming, but right at their level.
I’m hoping you’re finding some sustainable energy yourself this evening; thinking of you! 🙂
This is absolutely awesome! Your first two or three sentences really caught my attention and your examples are darling and thoughtful!
Xia
We also say, “let’s save some to share with others” (e.g. tap running in bathroom….” “We share water with everyone in our whole town!”
This is great Karen. I especially like the explanation of oil. Holden is always asking these sorts of questions and sometimes it is hard to break it down to kid friendly terms. Now I know I can call on you for help.
you are so GREAT MAMA!!!!