By Kylee Harris
Knowing how to use energy in a responsible way is a skill that parents should teach their children. Millions of dollars are wasted each year on energy, and apart from costing money, irresponsible use of electricity can also have a negative impact on the planet. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature, Australia is among the highest carbon polluting countries in the world, and one-third of the country’s emissions come from energy consumption at home. Teaching your child about energy conversation is a must while they’re still young, as it helps them learn how to save money. Moreover, it encourages them to do their part to protect the environment. Here are some tips on how to teach your child about responsible use of energy.
Talk to them about where energy comes from
One of the first things that you can do to start teaching your child about conserving energy is to let them know where it comes from. Explain it in a manner that is easy to understand, then talk about alternative sources of energy, such as solar, hydro or wind power, and why they’re better for the environment. You can also explain how electricity is used to power your home, and that improper use can lead to having to pay more money for it.
Once they’ve got the concept down, teach them about the simplest ways to conserve energy, such as turning off the lights when they’re not in use.
Allow them to do this themselves whenever they leave a room so that they can get into the habit of doing so, even without being reminded by their elders.
Unplug for a few hours
Children and teenagers can spend hours watching TV or playing games on their console or mobile devices. To use energy wisely, encourage your kids to unplug for a few hours, explaining that doing so not only benefits their health, but it can also help to save money on electricity bills. Spend the time doing outdoor activities such as gardening, or play a game of tag or hide and seek in your backyard. You can also play a board game or go for a walk. Going screen-free for a few hours can help you look after your physical and mental health while saving precious energy, so get into the habit of doing so every day.
