Encourage children to recycle as much as they can. Numerous common household items are recyclable. These include plastic cutlery, paper bags, paper, aluminum cans, cardboard boxes and glass.
Teach kids the importance of always discarding garbage in proper containers. Inform them that dumping potentially unsanitary items on the street is not only unattractive, but also potentially dangerous. Litter that's left out on the streets not only detracts from a neighborhood's appearance, it can also put animals that might gain access to it--such as cats, dogs and squirrels--at risk.
Educate children about the process of composting. Explain to them that it is a process that converts organic materials like fruits and vegetables into a safe and natural soil fertilizer. Help them start a compost pile to both eliminate the use of chemical fertilizers and reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Cultivate an appreciation for walking, bicycling and using public transportation. Take the initiative to lead by example. Invite your kids to join you. Discuss how these activities help reduce pollution and shrink the size of your carbon footprint.
Ask kids to reduce their energy consumption whenever possible. There are numerous ways they can accomplish this, such as unplugging appliances that aren't being used, turning off lights in rooms that are empty, and encouraging their parents to buy ENERGY STAR qualified products.
Persuade kids to conserve water. Some ways they can do this are by taking shorter showers and turning off the water while they brush their teeth. They can also ask their parents to invest in low-flow faucets and toilets.
Tell kids to inspire others to join their conservation efforts. Help them celebrate the good work they've done to reduce pollution. Convince them that they can make an even bigger difference by enlisting others to join the fight against pollution.