Tips to help teach kids about 'going green'

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- As you prepare your children for the new school year, maybe it's time to try something new, like "going green."

We met up with green living expert Randi Regan, who gave us five tips to get you started. First, try to create "zero trash" lunches, which means using a lot of reusable or re-washable containers.

"Zero waste lunch is about figuring out how to pack your kids lunch to school without creating trash at the end of it," said Regan.

Stackable tins are a great "green-friendly" choice. But those thin, plastic sandwich bags are hard to replace. Instead, try washable sandwich bags kids can use every day. Also, lose the plastic silverware, choose metal or branch out with bamboo chopsticks.

Next up, lose the batteries. Regan said 14 billion batteries are thrown away into landfills every year in America.

"So anytime you can help them find a way to play and be creative without a battery, it's a win," said Regan.

Powering off those games might be tough, but arts and crafts will send their imagination soaring. Or try to create a fun project, like documenting the ecosystem in their backyard.

Regan also stresses the importance of getting your children involved in the ecosystem around them. By observing the plants, animals and insects, they can get an appreciation of the environment.

Start an organic garden. You'll end up with great homegrown food and the opportunity to teach your children about how plants grow.

Finally, pay attention to ingredients and read the labels on food and beauty products.

"It gets you thinking about what is going on your skin, and what is going in your body," said Regan. "It's mostly about teaching them to just engage and not pushing it so much, but just actively nurturing their curiosity."

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food, environment, children's health, save money / consumer news, bri winkler

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