Nowadays, more and more buildings are being built in mass-populated cities and it is no wonder that taking care of our planet while travelling is vital. Trying to contribute to keeping our beloved planet intact and protected from pollution is not an easy task, especially if you are a parent. As parents, we should strive to teach our kids the best values in life, one of which is teaching them how to protect planet Earth and showing respect toward our natural habitat. Along your riveting journey, you can easily do that in a fun and educational way.
Opt for Environmentally-Friendly Transportation
Before you head out to your vacation, sit down as a family and carefully consider where to go. Choosing the ideal place that won’t harm the planet should be your mutual decision. Explain that it is beneficial to go somewhere near home if they are going to go by car. Planes, buses, and cars release emissions that are extremely harmful to the planet, and if you cannot go anywhere exciting by bike, by using public transportation or on foot, the car might be the best option. You can search for ecotourism options, as well, that support sustainable development. Whatever you do, be environmentally conscious.
While In Motion
Going on an eco-friendly trip by using public transport may be the best solution since you’ll be protecting the planet by not emitting negative gas and not promoting air pollution. However, if you have small kids, who require a lot of attention, then you had better go by an electric car. While travelling it is important to keep a watchful eye on your kids so as not to throw garbage and food leftovers from the car and pollute the soil. For that matter, you might want to find useful baby mirrors that are great for both small and big toddlers, enabling you to keep their behavior in order. What is more, while you are in motion you can talk to your kids about the importance of being respectful toward the planet, and you can play road trip games that will help them learn about endangered animal species.
Choose Destinations That Lessen the Negative Impact on the Planet
Cars are still better than planes, and there are an abundance of locations to choose from. Make your kids invested in the trip by asking them about their preferences, and then come to the most effective green conclusion. Tell them that they should pick a less crowded travel destination, where they can see animals and wildlife in its natural habitat, and where they can protect the natural areas. Every year the World Health Organization issues World’s Best Ethical Destinations list where you can see what are the ideal eco-friendly places for your family to go to. These ethical destinations are perfect for teaching your kids the values of respecting the Mother Nature and for teaching them the basic rules of respecting wildlife while still having loads of fun doing it.
Do Fun Sustainable Activities
Children tend to get bored easily, and when you are aiming to teach them the values of respecting the planet while you are travelling you should make it interesting. Whether you are at the beach or in the mountains, you can do numerous sustainable activities as a family. Make recycling a fun activity for kids and get them involved by sorting out garbage diligently. If they sort out the trash accordingly, they are in for a reward, or whoever finishes faster gets to choose what is for dinner. You can have thrilling outdoor showers together instead of separately taking long baths inside. You will save water and cut energy costs. Have fun walking instead of using transportation, and get off the beaten path and immerse with the locals in order to learn about a different culture.
Immerse With Nature
Kids absolutely adore spending time out in the open. Teach them to respect the park rules when they are playing, specify the importance of staying on trails, and that they should not climb trees or pluck flowers. Explain why certain natural areas are protected and why they can only indulge in its beauty by looking at it. Boost up your sustainable travelling while playing entertaining games that benefit the planet. As you walk you can play Planet Earth trivia or Bingo, or they could name the animal or plant species that start with a certain letter.
Teaching kids the severity of respecting the environment should be done both on the road and at home. Sustainable travelling gives them the opportunity to see how they should live with respect and compassion towards nature.