Let’s talk plastic! Plastic is a massive part of our daily life. Many of us use straws, water bottles and supermarket bags without even thinking twice. After all, the use of these items are both comfortable and convenient, right? But did you know those single-use items such as the above account for 50% of plastic waste? At present, approximately 8.8 million tons of plastic waste flow into our oceans each year. It is rapidly damaging our marine wildlife as well as putting our own health at risk. Here at My Gator Watch, we are passionate about ensuring that our kids, and theirs have a beautiful planet to explore and thrive on.

So how can we make a difference? First of all, we need to make sure that our kids are well educated in this area. If they begin to make changes now, then there is a real chance that they will have a positive effect on the environment as they move into adulthood. The key? As with everything related to kids, we need to make it fun! This week we want to share just a few of the ways that you can make reducing plastic waste FUN for your kids…..

FIND FUN RESOURCES

Before they start making changes, it’s essential that our kids understand WHY they need to make a difference. There are lots of super fun resources out there that can help them understand the impact plastic has on the pollution. “Be an ocean guardian” activity book is a comprehensive activity book that is full to the brim of ocean facts, stories and educational activities. The book is free to download. Click here for more information.

The National Geographic Kids (kids club) is another fun resource that will help both keep them educated and inspire them. For more information, click here.

GET INTO RECYCLING

Don’t be too quick to yawn! Learning about and practising recycling can actually be quite fun!

Any type of recycling is good, so always make sure that you separate your plastics from your general waste. But did you know you can make some super fun and useful objects for around the house with your own plastic waste?

We love these ideas from Beauty Harmony Life. Make plant pots, desk tidies, and even gift wrap out of your used plastic! Why not ask your kids to try and make three useful objects for the house from your plastics and see what they come up with?

JOIN A LOCAL CLEANUP PROJECT

Most local areas hold weekly or monthly clean up projects at the weekends. The cleanup will involve joining a group of local residents to pick up litter and eliminate plastic from your areas of natural beauty. This is a great way to help contribute to a better environment while making friends and socialising.

TRY SHOPPING AT YOUR LOCAL FARMERS MARKET

Ok, we know that this isn’t doable all the time, but now and again this is a great way to shop to reduce plastic AND a fun trip out with the kids.

A morning out at a local farmers market can be a real eye-opener for kids and a brilliant trip out for the whole family. Unlike in the supermarkets, the kids will be able to try all the products, make conversations with the suppliers and walk away plastic free.

TRY MAKING YOUR OWN CLEANING PRODUCTS

Making your own cleaning products is a lovely way to reduce plastic and a nice little science experiment for the kids. Did you know that lots of your household essentials make great cleaning products? Make your own CIFF from baking soda or create your own air freshener from lemons. The kids will love making these safe, plastic-free concoctions. For lots of homemade cleaning, product ideas, click here.

REUSE, REUSE, REUSE

It’s time to say goodbye to single use objects and pick up some reusable ones. Why not take a family trip out and invest in some reusable water bottles, coffee cups and shopping bags? It may seem like a small investment, but you will SAVE money in the long run! Plus each family member can pick something out that suits their own personality ☺

We hope you love these ideas as much as we do. The ideas above are just a few of the super easy ways that your kids can make a difference. We would love to know how you encourage your kids to reduce plastic waste. Join the conversation and let us know in the comments below or via our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter Pages.

Part of growing up is taking on independence, step by step, and My Gator Watch – the wearable mobile phone – makes that happen. It uses GPS, two-way calling, works across multiple networks and has an SOS feature for peace of mind.

For more information and prices, click here.