Five things kids can do to save the earth

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, from which we will make a small commission if you click thru and complete a purchase.

First off, we all know it’s going to take a lot more than five things to save the earth. However, living with two Girl Scouts, we are always trying to find simple things that our girls can learn and do to help make the world a better place. These are things that you don’t have to spend money on, think too much about, and things we’ve put into place within our every day lives.

How kids can start saving the earth…

1. Running out of water?

I recently saw a meme on Facebook asking how you brushed your teeth and it got me thinking about our own water usage. Using less water at the sink is a simple way to conserve our water sources. We owe it to Mother Nature to use her natural resources wisely and not be a water hog. Don’t let the water run down your drain. Use just what you need shutting off in between uses. Also, watch the clock when you’re taking showers. Shorter showers use less water. The average American uses 80–100 gallons of water every day. Let’s start saving water by using a lot less.

2. How much is too much?

Look around your living spaces, especially your kids’ bedroom, how much stuff do you have? Do you really need all that stuff? Instead of inheriting more things, think of experiences you can provide your family instead. Get your family excited about a trip, stay-cation, or experience you can all enjoy together. Start now by reducing, reusing, and recycling anything you don’t need or want.

3. How many water bottles does one person need?

We are so guilty of this one. I know I’m not alone when I say we have an entire drawer designated for water bottles. I know I’ve bought several just because they’re cute. We all need to pick one and use it over and over again. And if you’re still using plastic water bottles at home? Stop. Invest in a water filtration device and fill up one of the many reusable bottles you have in that secret drawer!

4. Recharge your batteries!

I remember using batteries like no one else when we had one of those baby swings. And when they’d run out, we would too… To the nearest store to replace them as quickly as they would run out. We would even buy the Costco packs to get us through a few weeks. Yikes. You most likely have plenty of items that require batteries (like TV and DVR remotes, remote-control cars, robots, dolls, or other battery-operated toys) then start using rechargeable batteries instead. They are not perfect, but you’ll be helping keep these alkaline batteries out of landfills.

5. Turn off (and change) the lights!

If you have small kids as we do, this is the perfect time to get them in the habit of turning off the lights when they leave the room. It’s simple. Also, when a bulb dies, make sure you’ve changed it out to compact florescent or LED bulbs. These bulbs use 1/4 to 1/6 of the energy that traditional bulbs use.

Sure these are super simple. And it would seem like everyone is already doing them. But you’d be surprised at how many people are not actually applying these basic rules in their homes. By doing these five things alone, you can start making a difference. If you’re a Girl Scout mom like me, take the time to teach the girls in your troops these basic skills and ideas. Just these few simple things will lead us on the right path so we can help save the earth.

If we want to make the world a better place, we all have to start somewhere. Read this with your kids and pick one thing to start today! Even better, add some of your own simple things to this list, and do them all!