Journal — Conscious Consumption
The Best Books and Movies to Teach Children about Environmentalism
Raising environmentally conscious children in a world where plastic, “grab and go,” and convenience is the norm is no easy feat. As parents, our biggest tool for instilling positive morals in our children is modeling by behavior, but a few “supplemental materials” to reinforce what you model at home can go a long way. Kids, like sponges, soak up information like it’s their job, so if you’re wanting to instill a love for nature and caring for our environment in your children early on, these kid appropriate books and movies about Environmentalism will help any socially conscious parent do just that.
Each of these books and movies have a slightly different focus - some center around protecting animals, others on being responsible stewards of nature, others have a more general “love for all” theme - but each of them will tug at your heartstrings and stir up a desire in your children to care for our planet.
We suggest reading these books and watching these films with your child and then having a discussion afterward to hear their thoughts and help them process what they’ve seen. This discussion guide from the Australian Psychological Society is an incredible resource for parents on how and when to discuss climate change with your children.
Have you and your children chatted about protecting our environment? These books and movies are the perfect place to start!
Books
1. The Lorax by Dr. Suess
Both a classic book and a newly made film, The Lorax is about a creature who speaks for the trees long before environmentalism was mainstream. Both the book and the film are great for kids of all ages and introduce topics like deforestation, activism, and caring for our trees.
2. Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers
This #1 New York Times Best Seller combines wit, humor, and awe in this “guide for living on Earth”. It’s a picture book, but includes themes deep enough for older children as well.
3. The Last Polar Bear by Jean Craighead George
By the author of the beloved My Side of the Mountain, this story penned for younger children follows a boy desperate to save a polar bear cub whose mother has died as a result of climate change in the Arctic.
4. Pax by Sara Pennypacker
This story of a boy and his pet fox will pull at your heartstrings while teaching children about the relationship between animals and humans.
5. Leo and the Lion Learn of Love by Holly Rose
Written by one of our favorite eco-conscious bloggers, Leo and the Lion Learn of Love tells the story of the lion who teaches a young boy how to care for the world around him.
Movies
1. WALL-E
A beloved Disney film about a loveable robot who’s the last of his kind on the, now-uninhabitable, Earth. WALL-E sets out on a space voyage that will change the fate of humanity. It’s heartwarming and approachable without shying away from big issues.
2. Disneynature's Oceans
This stunning film dives deep into our oceans showing viewers a never before seen look into the depths of the ocean and what inhabits them. It’s the perfect jumping off point for a discussion on protecting our seas.
3. Ferngully: The Last Rainforest
A 90s film with a focus on protecting the rainforest, Ferngully: The Last Rainforest tells the story of a bat and his mythical friends who set out to save their habitat from destruction, with the help of Zak, an empathetic human who aids them along the way.
4. Happy Feet
Although the film’s main focus is love for self and those around you, Happy Feet, about a penguin who feels out of place, has environmental undertones perfect for starting a discussion.
5. Over the Hedge
A humorous kid’s movie with sobering flashes of reality, Over the Hedge teaches kids about human over-consumption and its negative impact on animals.
Got any favorite books or movies to add to the list? Please add them in the comments below!
Zöe Kim, Author of Minimalism for Families, on Creating a Sustainable and Ethical Wardrobe with Jackalo
When I'm looking to slow things down and simply life with kids, Zöe Kim is one of my go-to resources. I came across her on Instagram, but she is so much more than a social media presence. She wrote the book Minimalism for Families and blogs regularly on Raising Simple. Recently, she highlighted Jackalo in how she makes a sustainable and ethical wardrobe for her kids. She says,In my early years of motherhood, I didn’t give much thought to the clothes I purchased for my kids (or myself!). After simplifying my kids’ wardrobe, and bagging up the excess, I knew I needed to make some changes. I wanted my kids’ wardrobe to be more sustainable and ethical.
At Jackalo, they focus on durable design that strikes a balance between strong and comfortable. My boys would wear their pants every. Single. Day. if I let them.
And her kiddos, clearly do enjoy their Jackalo pants. I love this moment between her boys. This is what it's about: chilling with your brother and just having fun.
9 Environmentally-Friendly Kid's Products Every Parent Should Know About
Raising children in a way that is easy on the planet and on their health is no easy feat. New parents are continually bombarded with the newest “must-have” products they need to buy to keep their children happy and healthy. However, the vast majority of these products are made with cheap synthetics which are ultimately unhealthy for families and the planet as a whole. Everything from disposable diapers, to the fabric of children’s clothes, to BPA lined plastic products are common household staples that, unfortunately, are as hard on the environment as they are on our children’s skin and health.
When we set out to purchase eco-friendly essentials for their family, overwhelm can set in quickly and make many of us feel that living an eco-friendly lifestyle at home is impractical at best or impossible at worst. Between conflicting information, budget constraints, and knowing what to prioritize first, many parents feel they’re at a standstill between conventional products and finding better options.
Although there are many ways to live an eco-friendly lifestyle with your children, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite products that simplify parenthood and won’t harm the planet or your children’s health. Which step will you take first?
1. Mason Bottle and Reusable Waterbottles
Whether you have a baby or an older child, investing in some drink bottles made from sustainable, durable materials is a double win: you’ll be protecting your child from the chemicals in most baby bottles and water bottles AND you’re reducing single-use disposables.
We love: Mason Bottle ($19.99), Field Guide Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($31.99)
2. Beeswax Food Wraps
When you have kids, leftovers are inevitable. Reducing food waste and avoiding single-use plastic bags is tricky enough as it is, but we love Beeswax Food Wraps as an alternative to plastic wrap. Silicone reusable bags are also a great alternative to plastic disposable bags. For families with bigger kids, making your own wraps can be a fun DIY activity if you’ve got some spare cotton cloth and beeswax around. Here’s a fun tutorial.
We love: Beeswax Wraps (3-pack, $18)
3. Wooden Sewing Tool
Buying sustainable toys for your kids is easier said than done. When shopping, try second-hand first, and if you can’t find something that works from your local thrift store, try to look for products made from natural materials, instead of cheap synthetics. They’re easier on the earth to produce and easier on your kiddo’s health too. These lovely sewing tools are from Aleta Kids, a small company that makes wooden toys that are sustainably produced in Spain.
We love: Wooden Lacing Fishing Boat ($28.57)
4. Jackalo Children's Pants
There’s nothing more frustrating than spending money on clothes for your kids only to have them disintegrate through heavy wear and kids “being kids”. We may be biased, but we think there’s a better way to shop for kids’ clothes. Our pants are designed to last and grow with your child, so you’ll get more for your money and your child will have more freedom to play.
Jax Pant ($75)
5. Bamboo Silverware
Cutting down on waste when you’re out and about with your kids is tricky, but it’s do-able with a little bit of preparation. We love carrying reusable bamboo cutlery with us, or throwing a set in a child’s school lunch, to reduce the waste caused by on the go meals.
We love: Bamboo 3-piece silverware ($6.05)
6. Organic Cotton Sheets
Even though your child probably fights bedtime, the reality is that they spend 10 or more hours each day sleeping in their bed and what they sleep in matters. More and more brands are realizing the benefits of switching to organic cotton, but among the benefits are no pesticides or chemicals sprayed on the cotton, a more durable, softer sheet, and less worry for you.
We love: Naturpedic Organic Twinsize Sheet Set ($139)
7. Wooden Creative Thinking Toys
For older kids, blocks can get old quickly. We love toys that stretch our children’s minds and encourage creativity. Although you don’t need to buy expensive toys for that, they make wonderful gifts.
We love: TinkerTotter Robot Set ($30)
8. Bamboo Toothbrushes
Most conventional toothbrushes aren’t recyclable, but making the simple swap to bamboo toothbrushes leaves you with a healthier alternative that will compost and biodegrade on its own.
We love: The Humble Brush bamboo toothbrushes (€3.99)
9. Organic Cotton Backpack
Every child needs a backpack for school, but unfortunately, most of them are made with PVC and BPA laden plastics, lead, and phthalate which aren’t ideal for the environment or your child. This one, however, is made with durable and organic waxed cotton, has a lifetime guarantee and is handmade in Minnesota by an amazing woman and mama. A great business to support!
We love: Viska Little Forager ($150)
What eco-friendly essentials do you love for your children?
How to reduce waste with (almost) no extra work
Four simple changes you can make in your home that will reduce waste with (almost) no work. Simples steps toward a more sustainable home.