Teaching Kids Eco-friendliness in the Yard

Teaching kids about why being eco-friendly is important can be fun and the perfect setting for such an experience is right in the back yard. There dads and children can find a good spot, dig a hole, and explore the inner workings of a miniature underground eco-system.

It's a different view than just recycling and lends an eye to some of
what we are trying to protect.

So how can dads bridge the gap between having fun and conveying this
message? One way is to tell a story about soil, the brown looking
firmament, which is everywhere.

It seems dirty but in a strange natural kind of way is actuality very clean. Rich in nutrients, it helps vegetation grow so people can have food to eat, resources to build with, and beauty to take in. Furthermore, the earth is a cleanser and filters pollutants out of rain water and other moisture before reaching aquifers.

Then there are the underground bugs and insects that make the soil hospitable for plant-life. These little critters have many shapes and sizes and are integral to so much of what goes on around us. For example earthworms are extremely important for recycling nutrients in the soil. They make the ground fertile giving it good composition and drainage for growing quality crops.

With healthy soil come strong root systems, which can help ward off diseases and put up a good fight against pests and drought.

Finally, above ground an entire separate world of bugs and insects like praying mantises and lady bugs feed on other problematic bugs and insects that take advantage of important plant life.

But with all that said, what happens when human negligence disrupts the process? What are the consequences?

The usage of pesticides and how they factor into the equation is a good place to start and easy enough to explain to youngsters. Crops are sprayed, pesticides drip into the ground or get absorbed into soil when plants decompose, and toxins harm the underground eco-system. Also, not only do they kill bad bugs but good insects as well!

Another focus could be on composting and how returning waste to the earth enriches the soil making it more plentiful and healthy for growing things and alleviates stress on landfills elsewhere.

These are just two directions in a sea of ideas that dads can take when trying to foster relationships between what's above and below ground and how what people do effects the world around them significantly.

In doing so the associations kids formulate today will hopefully make taking care of the environment in their daily lives as adults a more organic and enjoyable practice.


By Jakob Barry

Jakob Barry writes for Networx.com, a growing community of homeowners and contractors sharing and monitoring home improvement projects together. He covers various home improvement topics including Green gardening tips and landscaping maintenance.