As parents, we are shaping the next generation’s values and habits, whether we realize it or not. By embracing a ‘green’ lifestyle that combines sustainability, mental well-being, emotional intelligence, and spiritual connection, we can model the behaviors and values that will help our families thrive! It’s not just about what we say – it’s about walking our talk and living the values we teach. When we practice what we preach, we build trust, credibility, and integrity with our kids, and inspire them to do the same. By living intentionally and authentically, we set in motion a powerful cycle of positive influence that resonates through our families and communities. This, in turn, can create a ripple effect of positive change that will help heal our families and our earthly home.
Start a Family Garden 🌼
Plant a garden with your kids and teach them about sustainable gardening practices. Enjoy fresh, healthy produce, spend quality time with your kids, and reduce your carbon footprint by growing your own food. Tomatoes are a great to start with – they’re easy to grow, and who doesn’t love a juicy homegrown tomato? Check out our fun and easy tutorial on growing tomatoes with kids.
Use Reusable Bags ♻️
This is so obvious it really should not need to be said! But carrying resuable bags is still not a habit for many South Africans! We discovered Khulani Creatives bags at Dischem a couple of years ago and are still using bags we bought then! They are beautiful, strong, and hold so much, while also folding up easily into your handbag.
Reduce Food Waste
Reducing food waste is a meaningful way for green parents to demonstrate #MyActionsMatter. By planning meals, using up leftovers, and composting, we show our children the value of resourcefulness and responsibility. This helps kids understand the impact of their actions on the environment and develops healthy habits around food consumption. By reducing food waste, we also model mindful consumption and teach our children the importance of appreciating what they have.
One fantastic way to reduce food waste is to sign up with UCook – it is a game-changer for reducing food waste! By delivering pre-portioned ingredients and recipes, UCook helps you cook with precision, eliminating excess food that often ends up in the trash. This approach not only reduces waste but also saves you time and money, making it a win-win for your kitchen and the planet. Give UCook a try and join the sustainable cooking revolution!
A very exciting recent discovery we have made when it comes to reducing waste is refreshi! This is a platform that connects surplus food from grocery stores, coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants with consumers at discounted prices.
- Enjoy a good bargain for at least half of the price
- Discover new exciting food options
- Rescue good food from local favourites
- Surprise and delight when you collect your food
- Help the planet by preventing waste
Use Eco-Friendly Products 🌿
Choosing eco-friendly products is a wonderful way for green families to live more sustainably and demonstrating #MyActionsMatter. By opting for products that are gentle on the environment, we can contribute to a healthier planet for future generations. Our favourite go to for eco-friendly products is Faithful to Nature. They offer a wide range of products that are carefully curated to ensure they meet high standards of sustainability and eco-friendliness. From natural skincare to eco-friendly household goods, Faithful to Nature makes it easy to shop with a clear conscience!
Conserve Water
As South Africans, we know how precious water is. With our country’s growing population and climate challenges, every drop counts. Here are some easy and effective ways to save water in your daily life
- Kitchen: Turn off taps while brushing teeth or washing dishes, use a bowl for washing veggies, and fix leaks.
- Bathroom: Take shorter showers, install low-flow showerheads, and use a bucket to catch water.
- Garden: Water plants during cooler hours, harvest rainwater. and choose drought-resistant plants.
Here are our Top Drought-Resistant Plant Superheroes:
Aloe Vera: The ultimate healing hero! Not only does Aloe soothe burns, but it’s also a water-saving superstar.
Succulents: These trendy plants are the ultimate water misers. From aloes to echeverias, they’ll add a touch of style to your garden while saving water. We’ve found an awesome supplier of a huge range of succulents – you can even order online! Visit www.succulent-trays.co.za
Gazania: These vibrant flowers are like sunshine in a pot! They’re perfect for adding a pop of color to your garden without breaking the water bank
Portulacaria Afra: Also known as the “Elephant Bush” or “Spekboom,” this plant is a low-maintenance superstar that’ll thrive in even the driest condition .
Agapanthus: These stunning flowers are like nature’s own bouquet! They’re drought-tolerant and will add a touch of elegance to your garden.
Practice Gratitude 🙏
As parents, we can model the value of gratitude for our children by expressing thanks for the little things in life. When we appreciate the efforts of others, the beauty of nature, or the simple joys of life, we teach our children to do the same. This helps them develop a positive mindset, empathy, and a sense of responsibility. Try sharing thanks at dinner time or writing gratitude journals, to nurture a sense of appreciation and kindness in our children, empowering them to make a difference in the world.
Gorgeous growing paper notebooks like the one featured here are from Faithful to Nature make perfect gratitude journals!
Prioritize Self-Care 🧘♀️
As parents, practicing self-care is a powerful way to demonstrate #MyActionsMatter. By prioritizing our own well-being, we show our children that taking care of oneself is essential and that our actions have a direct impact on those around us. When we model healthy habits like exercise, mindfulness, or simply taking time for ourselves, we teach our kids the importance of self-love and self-respect. This, in turn, helps them develop their own self-care practices and understand that their actions matter in maintaining their own well-being.
This is often easier said than done and it is very easy to get stuck in ‘good parent’ overwhelm. We encourage you to join clinical psychologist and mental health coach Lauren Davis’s transformative online course, “Beyond Burnout: From Surviving to Thriving.”
Lauren’s expertise and compassionate approach will help you:
- Reclaim your energy and find joy in parenting again
- Identify the root causes of burnout (beyond just lack of sleep)
- Prioritize self-care without guilt or judgment
- Set realistic boundaries that work for your family
- Manage stress and build resilience
Practice Forgiveness
Practicing forgiveness is a powerful way for parents to demonstrate #MyActionsMatter. When we model forgiveness, we show our children that letting go of grudges and resentments can lead to healing and growth. By choosing to forgive ourselves and others, we teach our kids the importance of empathy, compassion, and conflict resolution. This helps them develop healthy relationships and a positive outlook on life. By practicing forgiveness, we also show our children that everyone makes mistakes and that our actions can promote understanding, kindness, and peace
Pause to Pray and Connect with Nature
Take a deep breath! Take the time to pause with your family in nature. Whether it’s a prayer, a moment of silence, or simply appreciating the beauty around you, this practice helps kids see the world as an amazing, interconnected place that deserves care and respect. By showing your children that nature matters, you’re teaching them the value of nature to green famililies and that their actions matter too.
Get Involved in Your Community
Get your hands dirty and show your kids the power of community action! Join a local clean-up initiative, volunteer at a community garden, or participate in a neighborhood environmental project. By working together with others to make a positive impact, you’ll demonstrate to your children that #MyActionsMatter and that every small effort can add up to make a big difference.
Support Local Businesses
Shop small, live big! By supporting green local businesses, you’re not only boosting your community’s economy, but also modeling sustainable values for your kids. From family-owned cafes to independent bookstores, every purchase makes a statement: #MyActionsMatter. Show your children the impact of conscious consumerism and watch them grow into thoughtful, community-minded individuals
Make Sustainable Travel Choices
Explore the world, gently. As a family, make sustainable travel choices that reduce your footprint and respect the places you visit. Whether it’s taking public transport, packing eco-friendly snacks, or choosing tour operators that prioritize the environment, every small decision adds up. By walking your green talk on holiday, you’ll show your kids that #MyActionsMatter – no matter where life takes you
Choose Sustainable Beauty and Fashion
Get real with your beauty and fashion choices! By opting for sustainable, eco-friendly products that respect the planet, you’re teaching your kids to live in harmony with nature. Choose brands that mirror your values, and look for timeless pieces that won’t end up in the landfill. South Africa’s favourite online health shop, Faithful to Nature stocks ONLY products that reflect sustainable values – a safe place to shop!
Be a Positive Role Model
Lead by example and inspire your mini-mes to live their best green lives! As a parent, you’re your child’s most influential role model. Show them what it means to live sustainably, and they’ll follow suit. Need some inspiration? Check out our Green Star Gallery for stories of everyday heroes making a difference. By walking your green talk, you’ll prove that #MyActionsMatter – and empower your kids to do the same!
Join the #MyActionsMatter Movement
- Share your eco-friendly actions and tips on social media using #MyActionsMatter.
- Switch to eco-friendly products – you’ll find ONLY good stuff when you shop online at Faithful to Nature.
- Together, we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.
By incorporating these daily habits into your life, you’ll not only be improving your own well-being, but also contributing to a more sustainable future for our planet. Start your journey today and inspire others to do the same! 🌎💚
