Learning about sustainability for kids

Teaching kids about sustainability

Sustainability is a broad and popular topic, but when it comes to teaching kids about it, we can keep it simple to help them understand the impact we have on the earth and how we can make it better for future generations. There are lots of ways kids can learn about sustainability, however getting them involved with hands-on activities is a great place to start!

Here’s some fun activities and ways to help kids learn about sustainability.

Recycling and sorting garbage

Labeling bins at home and in the classroom for example, can help kids learn about what can and can’t be recycled. It also helps form good habits for the future. Sorting the garbage and explaining what can be composted and what is ‘general waste’ is a good way to encourage kids to think about how food scraps can help the environment in compost and limit food waste.

Plant a tree

Planting a tree in your garden or even a community garden is one of the best but simple things you can do for the environment, and is a great activity for the weekend. Trees improve the air quality around us due to the oxygen they produce. Other fun and educational gardening activities that encourage sustainability include making a worm farm, creating a vegetable patch, or planting bee-friendly plants.

Hold a garage sale

Explaining how garage sales work, and getting the kids involved in the process helps to encourage not just kids but people of all ages to reuse items that are safe to do so. This is also a perfect opportunity to encourage action within your community and create conversation about sustainability with your kids.

Reusable grocery bags

A very simple and powerful way to encourage a regular habit, showing kids the importance of bringing your own reusable bags with you when grocery shopping (or any type of shopping for that matter). You could make this their regular responsibility on the shopping trip, so they feel in charge, and gain an understanding of how this reduces the use of single waste plastics and is a more environmentally friendly option.

Sign up today to stay up to date with our Locals Matter Community Program and receive tips, exclusive content and promotions direct to your inbox.

Become a member for free.

For healthy recipes, community initiatives, exclusive content and promotions that matter to locals like you.

Related Articles