The Earth and Our Environment
It's a natural thing, teaching your children how to care for the planet, and the environment. After all, they are the ones who will be inheriting it, so shouldn't they be the ones shouldering the bulk of the responsibilities right now?
We try to instill in our kids these things by example and simple daily conversations, and I'm glad the schools have some topics on conservation and recycling. As a family, here are some of the things we do.
Recycling
Plastic bag usage
Each time we go to the supermarket, we try to remember to take reusable bags with us to bag the groceries. And if we forget to bring some, we typically walk out carrying the items in our bare hands (gasp!). Some cashiers tend to get really enthusiastic about giving away bags, even for the smallest items, so we have to tell them that no bag is needed. Some end up looking at us in confusion. We've been telling the kids to tell the "auntie" that they don't need a bag, or return it if it really isn't needed - which is an unnatural thing to do?
We try to instill in our kids these things by example and simple daily conversations, and I'm glad the schools have some topics on conservation and recycling. As a family, here are some of the things we do.
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| Somebody has to clean up this mess. |
We have several recycling bins in our house for paper, plastics, tin, and bottles. They are in the backyard and anything that belongs to these categories of waste (unless covered with oil and food bits) goes into these boxes. When these reach their brims, they are brought down to the large recycling bins. The main problem here sometimes is items go into the wrong bins (they are next to each other after all) or non-recyclables are placed in them - sometimes it gets to the point where we assume everything can be recycled - Celest ends up screaming at everyone at that point. Recycling has become part and parcel of our lives, and the screaming too.
Plastic bag usage
Each time we go to the supermarket, we try to remember to take reusable bags with us to bag the groceries. And if we forget to bring some, we typically walk out carrying the items in our bare hands (gasp!). Some cashiers tend to get really enthusiastic about giving away bags, even for the smallest items, so we have to tell them that no bag is needed. Some end up looking at us in confusion. We've been telling the kids to tell the "auntie" that they don't need a bag, or return it if it really isn't needed - which is an unnatural thing to do?
Electricity Wastage
Children are, by default I think, huge energy wasters - both in terms of electricity and human potential. I have lost track of the times I've had to ask "who left the light/fan/heater/computer on?" and yet it will happen again. And then they ask me back, why did I leave the light on and I'll tell them that it's because I pay the bills - which, I know, is not justifiable, but I'm also learning. Even if it's true (and it is), it doesn't give me the right to burn extra carbon and add to the warming. So the nagging must go on until it eventually sinks in that electricity/energy is precious and should be used wisely. The kids don't use the air-conditioner every night - and even if it is turned on, will get switched off midway through the night.
Children are, by default I think, huge energy wasters - both in terms of electricity and human potential. I have lost track of the times I've had to ask "who left the light/fan/heater/computer on?" and yet it will happen again. And then they ask me back, why did I leave the light on and I'll tell them that it's because I pay the bills - which, I know, is not justifiable, but I'm also learning. Even if it's true (and it is), it doesn't give me the right to burn extra carbon and add to the warming. So the nagging must go on until it eventually sinks in that electricity/energy is precious and should be used wisely. The kids don't use the air-conditioner every night - and even if it is turned on, will get switched off midway through the night.
Cleaning Up
More and more food courts have tray return racks, but sadly they aren't being used much. Plates of used cutlery with leftover food can be seen on every other table as people walk off with the knowledge that the cleaners and birds will clean up their mess. The mess you leave behind is a reflection of your way of life. And if you're willing to leave a table of disaster and wastage for the world to see, with no sympathy for the elderly cleaners that have to pick up your garbage with their bare hands, then I pity the other people that have to deal with you in your work and family for your graciousness and empathy must surely be lacking. Why would we want our children to grow up and behave like that? It eludes me. And so, we train them to clean up after themselves, both at home and outside - for the environment, for the people around them and for their personal development.
More and more food courts have tray return racks, but sadly they aren't being used much. Plates of used cutlery with leftover food can be seen on every other table as people walk off with the knowledge that the cleaners and birds will clean up their mess. The mess you leave behind is a reflection of your way of life. And if you're willing to leave a table of disaster and wastage for the world to see, with no sympathy for the elderly cleaners that have to pick up your garbage with their bare hands, then I pity the other people that have to deal with you in your work and family for your graciousness and empathy must surely be lacking. Why would we want our children to grow up and behave like that? It eludes me. And so, we train them to clean up after themselves, both at home and outside - for the environment, for the people around them and for their personal development.