Saturday 12^th  August 2023, celebrates “International Youth Day”, which aims to bring youth issues to the attention of communities around the world and to celebrate the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society.

The theme for 2023 is Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World. Half of the world’s current human population are 30 or younger, and surveys show that 15–17-year-olds are the most optimistic in their belief of a better future.

At first, going green can seem difficult, expensive, and time-consuming. It doesn’t need to be. To celebrate International Youth Day 2023, NIDAS are sharing our top eco-friendly ways that you and your family can support the planet, protect your wallet, and spend quality time together.

1. In the home

Sometimes the simplest ideas, are the best ideas! Put aside a bag or a box for any clean recycling items that kids can re-purpose for art, such as:

• Cardboard boxes
• Newspapers and magazines
• Plastic bottles
• Cartons, yogurt pots
• Toilet roll tubes
• Foil wrappers
• Gift wrap

You can come up with your own creations, or find easy tutorials online such as these:

Recycled Robot Craft – Tea Time Monkeys

Unicorn Toilet Paper Roll Craft – Easy Peasy and Fun

Cool Cat Newspaper Art Project for Kids – Arty Crafty Kids

How to make a magical milk bottle fairy house – Picniq Blog

 

2. In the wild

If you enjoy the outdoors and prefer to craft with a purpose, consider ways you can care for the creatures in your garden. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) have a brilliant library of low-cost activities on their website, with tutorials to build bird baths, bug hotels and more:

Activities for Kids & Families | Educational DIY Projects -The RSPB

You could even sign up to their free “Wild Challenge” and work towards a bronze, silver, or gold award for your effort to experience and help nature:

What is Wild Challenge? (rspb.org.uk)

 

3. In the kitchen

Cooking is an essential life skill, and most kids love to get involved and learn. There are many ways that you can get your child interested in helping in the kitchen whilst also helping the planet.

Growing your own fruit and veg is probably the most obvious way to “harvest” your child’s interest in where food comes from. Local or home-grown are often considered to be top-quality – not only does it significantly reduce the distance food has to travel to reach your plate, but it is also said to be tastier!   Start small, with a windowsill herb garden: How to Grow a Windowsill Herb Garden in 7 Steps | Horticulture

The Royal Horticultural Society is also packed full of useful information, from manage pests to the best months to begin growing your fruits and vegetables: Grow your own fruit, vegetables & herbs / RHS Gardening

Bonus: National Geographic Kids has a simple guide for learning to compost, which will both cut down on waste and encourage your kitchen garden to thrive: https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/parents/how-to-compost-with-kids/

Tell us how you will be celebrating International Youth Day 2023 and let us know what your family’s favourite green activity is.