Children and Climate Change

British weather has always been erratic, but what a wet summer! We’ve been given the firmest of nudges from Mother Nature about the impact our collective carbon footprint has on the environment. 

Worryingly, no-one will be more affected by its effects than will our children.  Yet, should they wish, youngsters can storm ahead and learn more about climate change by getting actively involved in events and activities that support the preservation of nature. And by understanding the impact of doing ‘their bit’, children will learn to take responsibility and develop a healthy interest in the environment.

How to get the children to do ‘their bit’.

Save Energy

Everyone can preserve energy, including children.  Saving energy can include anything from pulling on an extra jumper instead of turning up the thermostat and remembering to turn off the telly rather than leaving it on standby. A recent study revealed that, according to their parents, 72% of children regularly leave the lights on when they leave a room, and almost two-thirds always leave computers, TVs and stereos on standby. Explain the impact that this will have. Try to encourage your children, where possible, to switch off and save energy.  You’ll also benefit from lower energy bills too, of course.

Other simple energy saving tips:

Wash clothes at 40 degrees

Don’t leave the fridge or freezer doors open longer than necessary

Use energy efficient bulbs

Turn down the thermostat by 1 degree  

The Energy Saving Trust promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy use. It promotes a commitment to saving 20% of the energy used on a daily basis. For more ideas on how to save energy go to www.est.org.uk

Walk to School:

Between 1990 and 2003, the average distance walked annually by a person from the UK fell from 237 to 192 miles.  This may partly explain the increasing trend of poor fitness levels and obesity, including that of children. One major contributor to this lies in the number of children who are driven to school by their parents, which incidentally also increases carbon dioxide pollution.  Did you know that around 20% of all cars on the roads in the morning are driven by parents taking children to school? Of course sometimes it’s just not possible to get the kids there without transport, but to help ease road congestion car sharing may be a desirable option and, where possible, to help improve a child’s fitness levels, a walking bus may provide a ready solution. This involves organising a group of willing children to walk to school together under the supervision of trained adults along a pre-arranged 'safe route'.  Find out more by typing www.walkingbus.org into your internet explorer or visit the UK Walk to School campaign at www.walktoschool.org.uk.

Use public transport:

Ditch the car and catch a train or bus instead. Find what public transport services are available when planning your journey by calling Traveline, who provide impartial information. Call 0871 200 2233 or go to www.traveline.org.uk.

Where possible buy local produce: It’s shocking to discover how far some food has travelled. Lamb from New Zealand, tomatoes from Spain, pineapples from Malaysia. Yet, transporting food long distances builds carbon dioxide pollution.  So maybe next time you ‘grocery shop’, take the children with you, together check the country of origin of each food item and, where possible, buy locally.  You can find out how to get hold of organic and locally grown food in your area by contacting FARMA (the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association) on 0845 45 88 420.

Get a free copy of the Green Shopping Guide: Contact Defra publications on 08459 556000.

Get your school to join the Eco-Schools programme: The Eco-Schools programme provides a simple framework to enable your school to become more sustainable. The scheme encourages children to take responsibility for the future of their environment. Persuade staff from your school to visit www.eco-schools.org.uk to find out how to get involved.

Pack an environmentally-friendly lunch: One of the largest contributors to school waste comes from packed lunch packaging.  This can be reduced, when children re-use an airtight container such as a packed lunch box instead of plastic bags, and a screw-top plastic bottle instead of a carton of drink.  It helps to wrap sandwiches using aluminium foil that can be recycled rather than using cling film. And opt for fruit and vegetable snacks.  Not only does this provide a healthy option but remainders of fresh produce can also be composted.  

Remember the 3 R’s -  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Reduce:

Cut down on use of paper, bottles, packaging and stationery.

Cut back on packaging by buying fruit and vegetables loose, where possible.

Use refills for products such as washing powder, ink cartridges, household liquids and baby wipes.

Reuse:

Shopping bags

Donate children’s clothes and furniture to charity shops

At children’s parties, buy re-usable crockery and cutlery instead of using disposable paper plates and plastic cups.

Start using both sides and encourage your school to find ways to use less paper.

Recycle:

Buy recycled products where possible

Compost your waste and feed your plants

Find out where the nearest recycling banks are, and use them

Words by Kirsty Woodgate