Raise your kids to be earth warriors

The younger generation is taking steps to create a greener future. Notable figures like Greta Thunberg, Melati and Isabel Wijsen, and Xiuhtezcatl Roske-Martinez are only a few of the youngest earth warriors. Like them, your kid can help save mother earth too. Here are a few steps to kick-start your little one’s eco-friendly journey:

Explain the concept of “Doing your part”

Small actions by individuals, even children, could influence big changes in the environment. You can start by making them watch kid-friendly documentaries about Mother Nature. You can also encourage them to learn more about saving the earth through online articles or books. Another small action they can take is bringing their own reusable straws or drinking jugs to avoid use of plastic containers.

Teach kids to practice the 4Rs

The terms Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recovery could guide your kid towards a plastic-free lifestyle. According to the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), Filipinos use more than 256 million single-use plastics such as sachet packets and sando bags per day. Set up interactive reminders around the house about the practice of 4Rs. Buy them their own collapsible cups and metal straws and utensils. Actions like these can help encourage them to slowly reject plastic.

Set up proper waste bins

Familiarize children with distinguishing biodegradable from non-biodegradable and recyclable trash. Educating children about the environment could help strengthen the community's actions towards climate change, In an accessible corner of your house, put up three trash bins where they can throw their waste in properly. Make it interactive as well; design colorful instructions to catch your kid’s attention. When they are familiar enough, you can even set up proper waste disposal bins in their very own room. Here’s a guide to proper waste disposal for your kids:

Let their creativity flow

Allow your kid to be creative with recycling. Encouraging children to show off their creative skills could help improve their emotional health. Turn it into a game for the whole family. Challenge each other on who could DIY their recyclables the best. Whoever produces the most creative restoration of recycled materials wins a prize. Aside from creating memories with your family, you can also add new items in your home.

Set a good example for them

Parents are a kid’s first teacher. Your children can absorb the actions and behavior that you show them. Make sure you practice what you preach whether you are outside or inside your house. Store your sachets in your bag until you can dispose of it properly. Bring your own container for take-out food you might purchase. Don’t forget to take a foldable eco-bag for when you are grocery shopping. These little things form a habit your little one can emulate.

Successfully saving the earth will take a collective effort from everyone. Start kids young and teach them how to do their part. To help you ease the topic to your children, watch TOPPS Sarap TOPPStar TV’s “Planeteers.” It’s an episode containing helpful tips and tricks on how both kids and adults can do their part for mother earth. See the video below:

Bond with your kid as you watch and enjoy the newest kiddie variety show. TOPPS Sarap TOPPstar TV is a show by kids for kids. The program recently brought home the Anak TV Seal Award at the 2019 Anak TV Awards, and also received a Special Citation under the Best Children and Youth Program Category at the 41st Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA). Catch-up episodes are uploaded on GMA Playground, GMA’s YouTube channel for kids. For more information about TOPPS Sarap, visit www.rebisco.com.ph or their Facebook page.