Unconventional Oil
A lot of families understand that the world is changing. With changes in weather, the environment, technology, and the growing population, it’s important to make a conscious effort to reduce our carbon footprints. While this may seem like an overwhelming concept, the truth is that going green is something any family can accomplish. It may take some time and some getting used to, but families can learn to gradually change from being highly dependent on energy to being more comfortable with unconventional oil.
English: The carbon footprint. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
First off, if you’re going to go green, you need to talk with your family about it. Never expect that your family will simply understand or go along with your plans until you’ve discussed it. After all, sometimes changes can be scary, especially for children. Instead of dropping the idea of a drastic change on your children, let them know that you’ll be making some gradual adjustments in the way your family lives your life. Explain to your little ones that change can be a good thing. In this case, you’re making changes that will impact and better the world around you in order to make it a more beautiful place for your children’s children to live.
Next, make a plan. How will your family start living greener? Maybe you want to do something extreme and move off the grid. That’s great! Most families, however, will opt for more realistic and gradual adjustments that they can accomplish while living in the same location. For example, maybe you want to reduce the amount of energy your family uses, maybe you want to start cooking with less plastic, or maybe you simply want to replace your light bulbs with energy-efficient ones. Make a list with your family and figure out how you can accomplish each item on it.
It’s also important that you understand making changes can take time. Even though you might be emotionally ready to go green, it may take time to physically accomplish all of the changes. For example, maybe your family wants to start using reusable grocery bags instead of disposable ones. That’s a noteworthy goal. It may take you a few weeks to get all of the bags you’ll need. If you’re on a limited income, it may take a few months. Similarly, your family might take some time to install solar panels or other green changes you want to make to your home. While this shouldn’t stop you, it should help put things in perspective. It’s vital that you remain content and encouraged even while you work on your personal goals toward living a greener, more ecologically friendly lifestyle.
Finally, encourage your children for the efforts that they make in changing the world around them. Your kids might have friends who make fun of them or tease them for the way your family chooses to live, but it’s fantastic that your kids want to make the world a better place for the people around them and for their future children. Remind your kids that if each person starts to make just a few changes, the world will quickly become a better, more beautiful place.
