Thursday, March 17, 2011

Energy saving advices for your kids - part II

Teach kids where energy comes from: Together as a family, search online for answers about where your energy comes from. Do they know how coal is produced? Do they understand what kind of energy the fridge uses? Find out together – then let your children know that some energy supplies are finite, and they’re running out fast.

Call a family meeting and discuss practical ways that you can save energy around the house: Put a big piece of paper in the middle of the table and get your kids to write down their ideas in magic marker. Afterwards put the poster on the kitchen wall so everyone can see it. Remember that this includes adults too! So, if your kids resolve to shut down the computer an hour early, promise to leave your mobile off for an extra hour every night, then see if everyone can keep their energy-saving promises - and if so celebrate with a fun family treat. Don’t promise too much to start off with! It can be more difficult than you think to rid yourself off some addictive energy-consuming devices.

Have as switched off evening: If your average evening sees you working on your laptop while the kids are in the front room texting on their mobiles or playing console games, then the chances are that you could do with a carbon detox. As a family, commit to one night a week where you all pledge to switch off the TV and shut down other energy-guzzling equipment. Try and choose a family-friendly activity you could all do instead. Maybe it’s the perfect time to help the kids with the homework. Also, don’t forget that a story read aloud as a family can be just as awesome as watching TV.

Also, if the weather is good, why not eat in the garden or go for a family ramble. Both are fun – and the only energy you use will be your own!

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