April 22 is Earth Day. Take some time this month to help practice more energy efficient habits at home, and teach your kids about the importance of being good environmental stewards at the same time.
10 Conservation Tips to Teach Kids
#1 Educate Your Kids on Eco-Friendly Habits
Take the kids to your local public library and check out some books on environmental and energy basics. If you want your children to care about conservation, they must first understand why nature is worth protecting and how energy is manufactured and consumed. Turn the trip into an eco-friendly outing by traveling on foot or by bike.
#2 Turn Energy-Saving Activities Into a Game
Switch up the traditional favorite game of “I Spy” to an energy-focused activity. Have your kids look for and point out different things nearby that are working to either save or waste energy. This is an effective and engrossing way of not only teaching them to be more mindful, but also helping them understand the importance of conservation.
#3 Go Electricity-Free Once a Week
Spending time outside is one of the simplest and most surefire ways your kids will develop an underlying and lasting appreciation for the the environment. In today’s world, the widespread use of technology is leading to a phenomenon in which youth are spending less and less time in the great outdoors. According to a survey conducted by The Nature Conservancy, only 10 percent of kids say they spend time outside every day.
Try eating dinner outside a few nights a week if the weather is nice. Encourage your kids to spend time after school playing outside rather than staring at a computer or TV screen. Create nature scavenger hunts or build a treehouse to make time outside something to look forward to.
#5 Play Hide and Seek for Water Leaks
#6 Visit Your Local Landfill
If you want to make an impact on your kids’ understanding of waste, get the gang in the car and head to your local landfill. Americans generate anywhere from 250 to 400 million tons of garbage each year. Make sure you explain how all the things your family throws away don’t magically disappear. This will help them gain both an understanding of and appreciation for recycling and conservation.
#7 Start a Vegetable Garden
There are many life lessons to be learned in the garden. Create your own family vegetable garden, beginning with seeds. This will teach your kids valuable lessons about healthy eating, water conservation and the incredible power of nature.
#8 Make a Rain Barrel
Harvest rainwater by building a rain barrel from scratch or installing a store bought one. Have your kids periodically check the barrel for changing water levels. When the barrel is empty, they will understand that water is in fact a finite resource. Have them harvest extra rainwater to tend to the vegetable garden from step seven.
#9 Repurpose Goods With Crafting Activities
Take various items that would normally go to the trash or recycling bin and create a craft station where the kids can turn these goods into their own unique pieces of art. They can make ornaments out of lids adorned with glitter, paint and pom poms or help them make kaleidoscopes out of plastic bottles.
#10 Teach Your Kids About Your Home’s AC and Thermostat
Make sure your kids understand that keeping cool at home doesn’t come from nowhere. Show them the various components that comprise an HVAC system and teach them how to set the thermostat for optimum energy efficiency.
Call the Conservation Experts at Local AC
For the past 20 years, Local AC has proudly served homeowners throughout Broward and Miami-Dade counties with unparalleled HVAC service. With cooling season in full swing in South Florida, make sure you’re up-to-date on all the latest when it comes to home energy efficiency practices and technology. Our team of experienced highly skilled technicians is passionate about providing you with top-of-the-line air conditioning products and services so you can save on monthly energy bills.
At Local AC, we firmly believe your family’s cooling comfort shouldn’t have to cost you a fortune. Find out why we are the area’s leading choice in all things HVAC. Call us today at (844) 888-0938 to speak with one of our friendly representatives or visit us online to fill out our simple query form and get started right away.
