Carbon Neutral Kids

It’s not just us dissatisfied Gen-Xers and frustrated Boomers that have become a part of the green revolution. Many of today’s younger generations are living in a world where being green isn’t a phase or trend but a way of life, an integral part of normal society. What was a novel idea in the past has become an essential part of daily living and so learning about reducing carbon footprints and helping the planet should also involve the kids.

We should probably acknowledge that they know more than we do at this point.

I like to refer to my 6 month old as the “carbon neutral kid” as I strive to put what I learn into action to improve his quality of life. The little guy uses only organic products from sustainable containers, eats only organic locally grown foods and wears previously owned items and plays with well loved toys, all in my effort to keep his carbon footprint as low as possible.

And of course to encourage a lifetime of green practices.

Where before I would be accused of being cheap, I’m now applauded for being green.

Because when it comes down to it, we must not only reduce and offset our own carbon footprints, we must make green living a sustainable movement by encouraging the next generation to live better than ourselves.

But what am I saying? The kids are going green already.

Internet sites abound with advice for new moms on responsible and sustainable lifestyles and children taking ideas out of the classroom and putting them into practice in their communities. I recently saw a young man on one of the children’s channels being mentioned for starting a recycling program in his classroom that spread to the whole school and later the entire school district.

Kids put cans in the recycling bin without thinking and use the back side of paper without a glance. They ride their bikes in the park and walk to school when they can. They wear the hand me downs of their siblings and guilt their parents into choosing paper over plastic. Children plants vegetable gardens learn about the ozone layer and a truly worried and actively working towards solving the problems associated with climate change.

As we struggle to reduce our waste and offset our carbon, the future is working slowly and smartly towards a carbon neutral future.

Maybe they’ve been listening to us after all.

If we keep encouraging them, just imagine how far they can go.

A carbon neutral world? We can only hope.