Thinking of ways to entertain the kids all summer can be intimidating. Why not get them engaged in the environment while soaking up the summer? Research from Maple Leaf Foods reveals 85 per cent of Canadians feel a responsibility to future generations to protect the planet, so here are five ideas on how to step up for sustainability while enjoying summer fun.
- Get outside
Teach kids to appreciate the planet by getting out and exploring it. Dad and kids can stay active together on a bike ride or a fun trip on a scooter. There are plenty of parks across the country that offer bike and walking paths to enjoy nature up close. Plus, many cities have dedicated bike lanes, so you can do some urban sightseeing. You could even take gloves and reusable cloth garbage bags and make a game out of spotting and picking up trash along the way. - Plant a garden
Growing your own food is both eco-conscious and cost effective. No matter where you live, a bright windowsill, balcony or backyard can be your spot to grow delicious fruits, veggies and herbs. Get the kids involved by letting them pick out the seeds and plant it themselves. When buying what you can’t grow, like proteins, consider options from carbon-neutral food companies like Maple Leaf Foods. - Soak sponges
Instead of buying water balloons that take eons to break down and contribute to pollution, choose sponge water bombs that are soft and just as fun to throw; a perfect “Sunday funday” Father’s Day activity. Re-use them as much as you want without creating waste. Simply immerse sponges in a bucket of cold water and squeeze the remaining water out when the game is over. Don’t tip leftover water down the drain. Instead, use it to water your plants and reuse the sponges to clean the house. - Personalize napkins
Looking for a great way to teach older kids valuable skills like sewing? Use old material or clothing for a fun activity, making personalized napkins the family can treasure for years to come. It’s a great way to cut down on waste and discuss the importance of upcycling. - Make buddies with birds
Scoop out the inside of an orange for a refreshing summer treat and save the peel to create a bird seed basket. Before tossing apple cores in the compost, try hanging a couple up with string to entice birds and then spot who flies in to say hello.
