Beyond the concrete jungle: Earth day 2023
Earth Day 2023 is here, and this year's theme is "Invest in Our Planet." What better way to invest in the future of our planet than by raising environmentally responsible children in the heart of our bustling city.
With more and more kids growing up surrounded by concrete and technology, it's important that we instill a love for the environment and nurture eco-friendly habits from an early age. Below are some simple, easy ways your Rocket House family can lead a more sustainable life and get in touch with nature – even in the heart of London!
Explore the great outdoors: London may be a sprawling metropolis, but it's also home to some stunning parks and green spaces. Make it a point to visit these natural oases and let your children learn about and appreciate nature. Take advantage of opportunities to participate in guided nature walks or join local nature clubs (1).
Plant a family garden: Gardening is a fantastic way to engage children in the environment and teach them about the importance of biodiversity (2). Even if you live in a flat, you can recycle and repurpose old containers into planting areas. What about starting or joining a community garden in your area?
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Repurpose: Teach your children the 4 R's and make them a part of your family's daily routine. This not only helps reduce your ecological footprint, but it also encourages kids to be more mindful of their consumption habits (3). Get creative with recycling and repurposing by turning old materials into art supplies, media tools, costumes, or even toys! This fosters resourcefulness and an appreciation for sustainability.
Encourage eco-friendly transportation: Whenever possible, opt for walking, cycling, or using public transportation. Make family outings fun by exploring London's network of cycle routes and green corridors (4).
Lead by example: Children learn by observing their parents, so make sure you're practicing what you preach. Discuss your eco-friendly choices with your kids and explain why they're important for the planet. You can start with little things such as turning off lights and appliances, reducing water waste, recycling, etc.
Foster environmental stewardship: Encourage your kids to participate in community clean-up initiatives, tree planting events, and other environmental activities. This helps them develop a sense of ownership and responsibility for their surroundings (5).
Natural England (2021). Nature Connectedness: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nature-connectedness
Royal Horticultural Society (2021). Gardening with Children: https://www.rhs.org.uk/education-learning/gardening-children-schools
Zero Waste Week (2021). How to Teach Kids about the 3 R's: https://www.zerowasteweek.co.uk/how-to-teach-kids-about-the-3-rs/
Transport for London (2021). Walking and Cycling: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/walking/
The Woodland Trust (2021). Tree Planting for Schools and Communities: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/schools-and-communities/
