The role of grandparents in passing down environmental values
The role of grandparents continues to evolve over time. While they have always been keepers of cherished stories and joyful memories, today they also carry an additional responsibility: passing on essential values to their families, including those related to the environment.
Small actions count, no matter your age
You don’t have to be a composting expert or bike through the winter to do your part for the planet. Never underestimate the power of small, consistent actions. Over time, they turn into daily habits—and they make a real difference. As a grandparent, you’re also a role model for your grandchildren, especially when it comes to passing down eco-friendly values.
1. Eco-friendly habits in the kitchen
You’ve been cooking with love for years, serving up dishes rich in tradition and memories. By making sustainable choices in the kitchen, you can continue to pass on your values while helping the environment. Here are just a few examples:
- Cooking from scratch means using less plastic.
- Freezing leftovers or saving peels for zest or broth helps reduce food waste.
- Choosing reusable containers and dishware keeps more waste out of the trash.
Feeling up for a fun little challenge? Try packing a zero-waste lunch for an outing with your grandkids. You can even prepare it together and use the time to talk about simple green habits to adopt every day.
2. Sustainable habits around the house
You probably had great habits in the past that slowly faded with time. Without even realizing it, you were already doing many things right. Now that we better understand the impact of our actions on the environment, some of those old ways can be revisited with a fresh perspective. For example:
- Turn off the lights and unplug unused devices to save energy.
- Mend clothes or repair household items instead of throwing them away. It’s a creative way to reduce waste and extend the life of your belongings.
- Create your own cleaning products using vinegar or baking soda to avoid harsh chemicals and minimize plastic use.
And if you enjoy gardening in your spare time, why not make it more eco-friendly? Composting, using natural fertilizers, and planting local species are small changes that truly benefit the planet.
3. Planet-friendly habits with your grandchildren
Retirement is the perfect time to spend time with your grandchildren. It's an incredible opportunity to set an example and share your simple, environmentally friendly habits by doing activities with your little treasures, such as:
- Doing arts and crafts with recycled materials, going for walks and picking up trash along the way, and cooking without wasting food are all interesting and stimulating activities that are also eco-friendly.
- Passing on sustainable knowledge, such as repairing an object, mending clothes, or starting a vegetable garden, teaches children good habits from an early age.
- Playing games or reading books related to nature and the environment are enjoyable and enriching activities.
There are all kinds of ways to do your part to help the planet. Don't forget your trips to the pharmacy! Bring reusable bags with you, choose eco-friendly products, and return expired medications. These are all small actions that help protect the environment.
Enjoy life, take care of yourself, and remember: it only takes a few small actions to make a big impact.
Text written in collaboration with Vie de Grands-Parents