Posted by April Shetrone on Mar.22, 2010

©iStockPhoto.com - Inok

When our children are young, we have almost complete control of all other choices. We know what they are eating because we buy the food and cook the meals. We know what chemicals they are exposed to because we clean the house and do the shopping. As our children grow and gain more freedom, we keep a close eye on their choices and expect them to live up to the values we’ve instilled in them. At some point though, those toddlers become young adults and we have to trust that they are making the best choices for themselves and for their environment. This is particularly true the first time we send them off to college. We can play scenarios in our heads and pretend that they are behaving exactly was we would like, but ultimately they are adults now and will make their own choices. This doesn’t,  however, mean that you have no influence at all. The key is to provide subtle hints and hidden advice instead of lecturing.

Most parents worry about the typical issues of drugs, alcohol, and unprotected sex, but “green” moms have other concerns. They want to know that their children are eating healthy, are limiting their exposure to toxins, and are being eco-conscious. So what do you do when your child is surrounded by the processed chemicals that fast food chains and the cafeteria call food? How do you ensure that your children maintain the values of environmental awareness and healthy living that you have bestowed upon them? Simple. Make it easy to be green. College students have hectic schedules just like working adults and parents, so they want convenience. While convenience is typically what leads us to unhealthy choices, convenience can also be the key to living green.

With Easter right around the corner, why not give your college student the gift of convenience and healthy, eco-friendly living by tweeking your typical Easter basket. While the rest of campus is devouring French fries and contributing to the overflowing landfills, you can be the proud parent whose student is the green list.

The typical Easter basket is filled with artificial grass, pounds of sugar in individual wrappers, and other objects that eventually wind up in our trash cans or on our hips. This year, fill our children’s Easter baskets will objects that will actually improve their lives and make you feel less guilty about your carbon footprint.

To begin with, choose a container or basket that can be reused. Think of an area in your son or daughter’s dorm room that needs an organizational face lift. Maybe a container for your daughter’s beauty products or a container for your son’s sport’s magazines. You can find inexpensive yet personal containers at your local superstores or at online stores such the Containerstore.com.

Next, erase the word “Easter grass” from your memory. The only thing it does, other than populate the Earth,  is give you a mess to clean up and a treasure hunt in your carpet for the next month. Instead of shredded plastic, fill the container with useful objects. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

A Reusable Coffee Mug

College students rely on coffee to get them through class. This simple, inexpensive gift will save them some money and keep a few paper cups out of the landfills. Kudos for cups in pretty colors, with sports logos, or with comical sayings. If your child is reluctant, remind them that it quicker to make their own coffee while they  are rushing to get ready for class than it is to stop for coffee on the way. End result: $3 extra dollars in the pocket of their skinny jeans, less trash crowding our earth and our wastebaskets, and at least five extra minutes to sleep before class.

Green Cleaning Products

Most likely, your son or daughter does not want to go to the store and buy their own cleaning products. Honestly, they probably only clean when they have to anyways, so they will eagerly accept whatever products you offer them. Without a moment of lecturing you decrease their exposure to toxins and keep some pollutants out of our water.

Reusable Water Bottles

This is one of the easiest ways to limit toxins, reduce waste, and save a little cash. Check out GreenDivaMom’s tips for choosing a reusable water bottle.

Beeswax Lip Balm

Ingesting petroleum, which is the base for most lip balms, may have potential health risks. Everyday your daughter swipes on shiny lip gloss to smile at the guy across the library, she is ingesting a  small amount of petroleum.  Overtime a small amount adds up to a lot. Eat beeswax instead.

Food Rules by Michael Pollan

Food Rules is short, simple, and to the point. College students don’t have time to read large books; their professors fill their heads with enough text. Besides, your daughter is more likely to listen to a man on Oprah than she is to you. Sorry, but it’s true.

A Kindle

This may be a little farfetched, but if you are one of those few parents who treat Easter like Christmas consider saving a few trees and future back injuries. With a device just slightly bigger than a cell phone but smaller than a laptop, your daughter can carry around 1,500 books in her fake designer purse. And the best part, some textbooks can be downloaded to the Kindle instead of purchasing the paper version (if you don’t understand how that works, don’t worry; your college student can figure out computers in their sleep)

Welcome your college student with a warm smile and embracing hug. Love is free, healthy, and green.

Share

Posted under Eco-Friendly Ideas, Living.