5 Simple Ways to Choose a More Sustainable Lifestyle with Kids
Disclaimer: Dorel Juvenile Group USA has implemented a voluntary recall for 2019-2021 Pria 70 designed for use with children weighing 9 to 70 pounds, as well as the Pria 85 and Pria 85 Max car seats, designed for use with children weighing 14 to 85 pounds. For the three models, when the seat is installed in the forward-facing position and secured to the vehicle using the lap belt without also using the top tether, the seat may not adequately protect the child from head injury in the event of a crash. There have been no injuries or incidents reported related to this condition. The Pria 70, Pria 85 and Pria 85 Max models can continue to be used in the rear-facing and forward-facing modes for children up to 65 pounds or 49 inches in height according to all labeled installation methods.
What has this year at home taught you? For us it’s made us really look at how we live and what we can do more for our planet. Kai is at an age where she asks so many questions of where things come from, what will happen to them after we are done, how to better friends to animals and plants. It’s really made us look at every little action we can take to encourage an eco-friendly lifestyle from an early age. It all starts at home, so I want to make sure I set a good example for Kai and Bodhi. Below are 5 simple ways to talk about sustainability with your kids.
Recycling – This is probably one of the first things we teach our kids at home. I had Kai help create and label some colorful recycling bins with photos attached to show each recyclable item such as paper, plastics, glass, and metal. Including the kids in the process makes them more willing to help and to understand why it is so important to recycle and opens the discussion on how this is helping the environment.
Upcycle Crafts – Creating crafts is another great opportunity to teach your kids about the importance of taking care of the environment. Instead of buying new craft materials, I like to look around the house and give Kai things we already have to create a craft. Kai could craft for HOURS if I let her! Instead of throwing away water bottles, turn it into a bird feeder. Save those toilet paper rolls and create a pencil and markers holder. The possibilities are endless! This is a great way to have kids use their imagination! Do not forget to reuse or recycle all the leftovers!
Purchasing Eco-Friendly Kid Products – In our home, we make a conscious effort to buy products that are good for the environment. I discuss with Kai how we choose certain products that keep not only them safe but are eco-friendly such as the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Convertible Car Seat. We have been using Maxi-Cosi products for years and are so excited about this new launch. PureCosi is a new fabric collection for Maxi Cosi car seats that meets flammability standards without the use of added fire-retardant chemicals; in turn, protecting babies from toxins while reducing the accumulation of PBDEs and PFAD in the environment. I love that PureCosi fabric uses the most sustainable dyeing process to conserve both energy and water resources. I point out to Kai how this makes me feel that they are safe, and that this product is helping the environment.
Plant a Garden – Growing our own organic food helps save on the distance food has to travel to get to our homes. Kai and I started a garden last Spring and are so excited to harvest some fruits and vegetables to cook for the family! It also helps talk about taking our leftover foods and turning into compost for our garden!
Using Reusable Bags – One of the easiest ways to switch to an eco-friendly lifestyle and to teach kids how to reduce and reuse is getting rid of single use plastics like shopping bags. I usually leave my reusable bags in the trunk of my car so that I will not forget it on my next grocery run. The more my kids see me doing this, the likelihood of them imitating me will create a habit that will continue when they’re a grown up!
The job of protecting our environment can start at any age. I want to make sure I leave this planet in a place where my children can enjoy it. Each little bit helps and makes an impact!
