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Holter Graham offers a behind-the-scenes look at Planet Green's Wasted and shares his eco adventures and advice.
When we were at the Livingston's house we were always surrounded by energetic, happy, intelligent children. And all I could think was--put them to work!
Seriously. As adults we may sometimes forget what the world looked like to us as children, and how amazing and energizing the planet was. Every new view or moment the earth offers children is appreciated and received with joy, excitement, and energy.
So put that energy to use. And I don't mean renting your kids to the nearest salt mine. I mean giving them an eco-task in your home. Children love being given a responsibility—a little piece of adulthood without the taxes and hernias that go with it. They enjoy being part of the running of a home, and they especially enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with an adult thanking them for their contributions to the household.
And they have energy to burn, so they can be vigilant and capable stewards of your home's green reputation.
The Livingston girls were positively competitive with themselves and each other; so they would be primed for a friendly competition to see who manages their recycling better: Paper for Kia, plastic for Maya, and tin cans for Keisha, the youngest.
Or give the kids the task of 'turning stuff off.' Their job is to make sure, in their excited travels about the house, to not only make sure they turn lights and appliances off when they are done, but that they patrol their sloppy parents as well, and keep the electricity bills down.
Or, most important, and easiest, Just look a your kids. Stare at them as they sleep until that happy lump pushes at your chest. They deserve a green world to grow up in. You can help give them that.
You must.
Want to know what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint? Find out on Planet Green TV's Wa$ted.
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