Do you know that you can save more energy subconsciously than consciously? That is right. We do many things out of habit, which is why making energy-efficiency a habit is an excellent way to cut down your energy costs. This is also a good reason why you should inculcate an “energy-saving” attitude in your kids at an early age. Here are a few ways in which you can teach your kids to be responsible and consume energy efficiently, be it at home or elsewhere.
Set an example
Children usually learns through imitation. If you want your kids to save energy, you have to show them how to do it. You should make it a practice to consume energy responsibly and lead by example. If you are careless about energy usage and ask them to be responsible, your kids may not respond positively. So, set an example while you teach them how to reduce energy consumption in their day-to-day life.
Make them feel good about doing the right thing
Kids like to be loved and appreciated. Turn their little energy-saving activities into a habit through appreciation. Appreciate them every time they do something like turning off the light in their bedroom or turning off the PC when they are done using it. Children see appreciation as encouragement to repeat the behavior, so through positive reinforcement, you can help your child build a habit of energy-efficiency.
Energy saving can result in fun-rewards
Appreciation alone does not work. You may sometimes have to offer something tangible to get a child to do what you want him or her to do. This does not mean bribing them; but offering rewards for being responsible. The stress here should be on responsibility and not just doing something for the reward. Set goals for your kids – like making sure that lights and other electrical appliances in their room or the house are not turned on when not in use, spending time in the garden and using natural resources to save energy where they can. Reward them when they achieve these goals.
Encourage them to use natural resources
This is a great way of teaching children to save energy. If you have a garden or a lawn, encourage your kids to spend some time outdoors where there is ample light, instead of in the room where they have to use electricity. Also, teach them to use water responsibly and tend to trees that offer shade and keep the house cool in summers. Gardening can be turned into a fun activity that your kids will enjoy.
