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More and more we are reading and hearing about global warming, pollution and environmental protection. How can we raise our children to understand the importance of protecting our natural environment? Lilly P Badilly loves Costa Rica because she respects the environment and the creatures that live in it. Costa Rica would not be home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity if it were not for that fact that 25% of this country is protected wildlife.

Here are simple ways you can start teaching your kids without alarming them:

• Kids love animals! Explain to young children that animals thrive when they have a clean, safe place to live. Read stories to them about animals they love. (Millipedes!)
• When they are old enough, discuss deforestation with your kids. They can research this further on their own and learn about the organizations that strive to help save the world’s forests. I like this website: http://www.tqnyc.org/NYC052139/Prevent.htm
• Talk to your children about conserving energy - electricity and gas mostly. Turn off lights at home and have them help you monitor the use your A/C and heat. Show them that you are doing your part to cut back on driving whenever possible by walking more, combining your trips for better efficiency, and carpooling when possible.
• Show them your concern about garbage by ALWAYS recycling. Kids will love to help you by putting items in the recycling bin.
• Show them videos about the environment. I found this great website full of short science videos you can watch. http://www.sciencedaily.com. There is also Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth. The film’s official website offers a downloadable study guide for teaching. http://prod.takepart.com/social_network/action/ait/studyguides.html
• Pick up garbage. When you see litter on your street, in a park or other public place, pick it up and throw it out properly. Kids will follow your lead. You can even volunteer for a street or beach clean up in your area.
• Beware of the products you buy. Take your kids shopping with you and explain how important it is to choose products that protect the environment.
• Plant a pesticide free vegetable garden with your kids. They will learn to research alternative ways to solve problems, protect the environment, learn to garden and save you money by NOT having to buy those veggies at the store! When you do buy, look for organic veggies whenever possible.
• Consume less stuff. Talk through potential purchases before you buy. Do you really need it? Teaching your kids to consume less stuff can be one of the most valuable ways to protect our environment. Less stuff = less waste. And what about the money saved?!!
• Talk to your child about trees and paper.Together you can decrease your paper consumption. Your kids can make an effort to waste less paper at the computer and with their school work. Show them how you disapprove of all that junk mail you receive!
• Don’t smoke! Teach your kids the importance of NEVER starting to smoke.

The bottom line is that your kids will learn to respect the environment mostly from observing your habits and listening to your opinions. Show them that they can make a difference!