The Next Generation of Green Connoisseurs

For parents raising children in this day and age, the challenges are incredibly new and different from those just a generation ago. No generation in history has experienced as much technological growth or the increased availability of products that can be purchased to keep our children busy. From video games to television, cell phones to the internet, the children of today are growing up in a world less connected to nature than ever before. As wildlife artist Robert Bateman said, "how can we expect to preserve and protect biodiversity if we don't even know the names of the plants and animals that share our neighbourhood?" With that in mind, many eco-conscious parents are taking on the personal mission of instilling a love of nature onto their children. This is no longer something which will happen inevitably but an active goal for many parents. Earth Easy, a lifestyle magazine, has developed many valuable ideas to help you bring a love of nature to your children.

From the Beginning Even babies can enjoy nature! By introducing the wonderful mysteries of nature, a baby's fascinated gaze can reflect the sky or an animal in a new and exiting way. By going with children on walks outside, you can encourage them to explore their imaginations and experience the joy that is the outdoors.

A Little Older

As your children grow, encourage them to go outdoors to play. You can equip them with tools of observation such as binoculars, wildlife books, or journals to record what they see and what they think. Another great idea is to give your child the responsibility of being an environmental steward for a particular area of land. It could be as small as a yard or a median strip near your house, or as large as a whole neighborhood. The steward duty could be just to observe what happens to that plot of land as the seasons change, or to actually maintain the area by picking up any trash that might accumulate or planting seeds in the area to be an active part of nature. I hope these tips can help you to keep the love of nature alive for the next generation. For more ideas on getting your children engaged outdoors, check out the Children in Nature Collaborative. The next generation of green connoisseurs are growing up in a different world, but with a little energy, a love of nature will not be left behind.

Image Credit: Children in Nature Collaborative, Organic Baby Boom, Earth Easy

Sustainable Kids Play – Wishbone Bikes

Nearly every young child undergoes the rite of passage when training wheels are shed and they experience the newfound freedom of riding their bicycle without limitations. However, in a child's world – short legs, low levels of strength, and undiscovered coordination oftentimes test the limits of their patience and ability. Wouldn’t it be nice if parents could avoid the frustration of their child(ren) not reaching the pedals or overcoming an initial fear of riding a bike? Thanks to Wishbone Bikes, the varying stages of child development are taken into consideration, allowing kids to learn how to steer and balance a bike with fewer complications. At first, the product serves as a tricycle – absent of pedals and powered by your child's feet. As your son or daughter grows, the 'wishbone' frame converts into a running bike for your budding speedster. The award-winning design of Wishbone Bikes also fits into an eco-friendly lifestyle. Every bike is comprised of sustainably managed woods, held together by eco-friendly adhesives and decorated with earth-friendly finishes. 60% post-consumer recycled plastic wheels allow your tike to hit the pavement in style. The New Zealand company called the Wishbone Design Studio is responsible for producing the ultimate choice in pre-bikes ships their products in recycled boxes – containing recycled printed materials with non-toxic inks. Wishbone Bike Options As of right now, you may choose between the Classic (above) and Limited Edition bike (below). Spreading the word on biodiversity issues, the Endangered Species Limited Edition Wishbone Bike displays an original Neal Whittington design depicting the endangered giant kauri snail of New Zealand. The bikes are recommended for children ages 1 to 5 years old. Additional stats concerning the product include:

• Adjustable seat height: 11 to 18 inches
• Bike weight: 8lb 4oz
• Trike weight: 12lb
• 1 -year warranty
• Meets current US, EU, Australian and New Zealand safety standards.

Since 2007, Wishbone Bikes have been changing the lives of young children, and are now sold and distributed across the globe, including in Australia, Canada, France, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates. For those of you living in the United States, Skip Hop (located on the 8th floor of 146 West 29th Street in New York City) sells the Classic Wishbone for $249 and Limited Edition for $299. Photo Credits: Skip Hop (t) & Wishbone Bikes (b)