How Your Family Can Do Their Part To Protect The Planet

Protecting our planet may sound like something that requires a huge global effort. But if we all do our part, even changes at a family level can make a difference.

To help you find ways that your family can do their utmost to control their carbon footprint, reduce pollution and waste, conserve water, and leave a healthier planet for the next generation, we’ve got some tips that you can start on today.

Reduce, reuse, and reycle

The three R’s of reduce, reuse, and recycle are some of the most important for the health of our planet. They can also help to save us money! More and more people are conscious of recycling rubbish to lessen the impact on landfill and to make the most of resources we already have, but don’t forget about reducing and reusing which come before the need to recycle.

Reduce

Shop smarter by using a meal plan and shopping list to only buy what you need and reduce food waste
Choose products with minimal or recyclable packaging or bulk buy using your own containers
Choose locally grown or made products to reduce mileage
Buy products made from recycled materials
If you can, buy second-hand rather than new
Look to shop with businesses with transparent supply chains and sustainable practices, who are producing ethical reports

Reuse

Fix broken items rather than throwing them away – local communities often have workshops to help fix household items
If an item is still usable, consider donating or selling it
Upcycle furniture to give it a new use
Refill a drink bottle rather than buying bottled water
Use reusable shopping bags, containers, and straws rather than single-use plastics
Use washable cloths to clean rather than wipes.

Recycle

Utilise local council recycling collection to recycle paper, cardboard, glass, tins, cans, and plastics (check with your council regarding what they accept)
There are also specific collection schemes for soft plastics, old mobile phones, printer cartridges, batteries, e-waste, and more which can be found with a quick Google search
Several brands also provide free recycling – visit the Terracycle website to find out more.
Compost fruit and vegetable scraps

Drive less

Kiwis love getting about in their cars, but vehicles contribute to pollution and the use of non-renewable resources.

Plan ahead to use your vehicle as little as possible by taking just one trip to the supermarket each week or carpooling with your workmates or friends
Create a walking bus for school kids
Utilise public transport, walk, or cycle
If you can, choose an electric vehicle for your next family car

Reduce energy consumption

Reducing the amount of energy that your home uses not only helps the environment, it also helps reduce your bills.

Turn off lights and electronics when not in use
Choose low energy lightbulbs
When purchasing new appliances, always look for the energy star rating
Wash your laundry in cold water and line-dry
Only run the dishwasher or washing machine when you have a full load
Once you’ve finished cooking the dinner, pop the baking in the already warm oven and save on having to pre-heat the oven

Grow your own

Growing your own fruit and veggies is a rewarding and fun way to get the whole family involved in being eco-conscious. What could be better than fresh veggies that go straight from garden to plate? Get tips for starting your own garden here https://kidspot.co.nz/family-time/setting-up-your-first-family-veggie-garden/

Eating more plant-based meals is great for the environment, the budget, and your health! Try a couple of meat-free dinners each week.

Planting native trees is also a great way to help the planet breathe a little easier. Plant on your own property or get involved in a community project.

Conserve our water resources

Water is a precious resource for our country and planet.

Take showers instead of baths and set a timer for those who linger a little too long!
Don’t leave the tap running when brushing your teeth
Collect rainwater for watering the garden
Only flush the three Ps. Pee, poo and paper (toilet)
Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain
Dispose of paint and chemicals responsibly
Use eco-friendly household detergents
Wash your car on the grass to help filter the runoff

For more ways to protect the environment, visit https://environment.govt.nz/what-you-can-do/take-action/

Written by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire.

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

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