Families For Life | 5 interesting ways to teach sustainability to your kiddos

As the saying goes, “We don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”

Sustainability is about preserving our planet’s resources for future generations. One day, it will be our children’s turn to take care of the Earth, so it’s important to nurture their love for the environment from an early age!

We’ve compiled some fun things to do that can teach your kids the importance of caring for our planet and also help you bond with your child!

#1 Start a plant project together!

Flex your green thumbs and try growing a plant at home! Gardening offers plenty of benefits for your little one. Children can learn responsibility and patience as they care for their plant, while digging in the soil and using a trowel can improve fine motor skills and encourage sensory exploration of the world around them.

Not sure where to start? Try growing chilli, rosemary, or mint. These plants can fit in a small pot and can thrive indoors! Growing herbs at home and adding them to your meals can also help your little one learn more about how nature nourishes and enriches our lives.

#2 Organise a beach clean-up with family!

Do good and spend time with family by organising a beach clean-up over the weekend! This activity can help your child learn how their actions can impact the environment.

Use the Public Hygiene Council’s guide to help you register and get started. You can even invite extended family members and friends to join in for a meaningful day out together!

Wrap up the clean-up with a beachside barbeque to make it a day to remember. It’s the perfect opportunity to let your little one enjoy nature and appreciate nature’s beauty around them. Don’t forget to clean up after yourselves and teach your child another important lesson about not littering!

#3 Go on a nature hike

Beaches aren’t the only place to find reprieve in nature. Our garden city is home to plenty of parks and nature reserves where you and your family can immerse yourselves in greenery and enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer.

Spending time outdoors can help children develop an appreciation for a clean and green environment and better understand the connection between themselves and the world around them.

We recommend Chestnut Nature Park for hiking trails suitable for everyone in the family! For more fun-filled adventures, the newly opened PropNex Family Zone and Active Garden at Gardens by the Bay is great to bask in the sun, stay active, and be surrounded by the lush greenery of the Gardens. Plus, your kids can get up close and personal with our mascot, Becky Bunny and family!

#4 Spring clean and donate items!

Yes, spring cleaning can be a fun too! Tackle the clutter together, set aside unwanted items, and turn the activity into a meaningful lesson about waste and overproduction.

Get crafty and give old clothes a second life by turning them into pouches, bags, or little stuffed toys. You can also donate books, gently used clothes, or unused toys to charities instead of throwing them away. Teach your child to make the most of what they have, and treasure the resources around them.

#5 Eat at a sustainable restaurant!

You don’t need elaborate plans or activities to teach your little one about the environment. Sometimes, a simple meal can offer an important lesson about sustainability!

From farm-to-table concept restaurants to plant-based meat options on menus, there are plenty of opportunities to talk to your child about the environmental impact of our food. As your child learns more about overfishing and pollution, they can become more mindful of what they eat and make more sustainable choices for themselves too.

Let’s teach our little ones to love Mother Nature with these activities, and don’t forget to have fun while you’re at it!