Ann Douglas Column
Periodic commentary from the mother-of-all Canadian parenting experts, Ann Douglas. Visit often or subscribe to this column through RSS so that you receive automatic notifications of when Ann has added a new posting.
TRASH TALK: Taking Action as a Family to Curb Waste - June 10, 2008
Here's a way to give your
house greater curb appeal in a way that really counts: by limiting the number
of bags of trash you set out at the curb each week. Here are some powerful
steps you can take as a family that will have a major impact on our planet.
Teach your kids to be conscious consumers. If you think consciously about the types of
products that you purchase before you buy them (and consider the amount and
type of packaging they generate), you won't be faced with a waste problem on
garbage day.
Make it easy for your kids to recycle. Set up mini-recycling stations in those areas
where you are most likely to need them (in the kitchen and other areas of your
home where recyclables accumulate) as well as a central recycling area where
you can sort out the recyclables for the week.
Look for opportunities to upcycle. Transforming old, worn, or obsolete items into
new and usable items is a hot new trend with people of all ages. Look for these
opportunities to upcycle everyday objects:
- Add a homemade cover to a favorite book so that it can continue to be enjoyed. Or use the book cover of a hardcover for the shell of a handbag, if the pages of the book are so missing or badly damaged that they can no longer be read.
- Restyle items of adult clothing (e.g., old jeans or jean jackets that are no longer being worn) into children's jumpers or shorts, household items such as pillows, or accessories such as handbags.
- Turn odd board game parts and puzzle pieces that are no longer playable into jewelry or fridge magnets. Use the game boards themselves as the covers for homemade notebooks (cut them into four pieces) or as travel desks for kids who want to write or draw in the car.
- Turn a garage sale furniture find into something shiny and new by adding a coat of paint and a few pieces of hardware picked up from the bargain bin at the thrift store.
Parenting Perspectives
