Money is the tool we constantly use in our lives to do things: to buy food, to clothe ourselves, to have fun and to keep us dry and warm at home. It can also be a tool to change things and support what we believe in. How about using a bit of time today to talk to your kids about what money is, where we get it from, what it can be used for and how the way we spend it can change the place we live in?
- Crafty piggy bank. Having a piggy bank can help kids learn a bit about saving. Why not try to make your own with these cute DIY ideas? Give your child an allowance. Let your child save every week to see how it adds up! Find some general tips about teaching children of all ages about money here.
- Green money challenge. Encourage your kids to green-up their spending with these ideas:
- Buy toys at one of Amersham’s charity shops! Even better, attend our next Toy Swap where you can pay with pre-loved toys or a small donation.
- Sweets. All food has an impact on the planet. Try to find a treat they want that has the “Soil Association Organic” logo or the “Fair Trade” logo. Is it cheaper or more expensive than others? Why is that?
- Buy local. Why not get your cheese at the local market? Or buy the next toy or book from a small local shop? Try small independent coffee shops for your weekend treat!
- Support a charity. Try Greenpeace, WWF or Friends of the Earth or support your local Wildlife Trust.
- Do rather than buy. Spending your money on doing things rather than buying physical items means you use less of the planet’s resources. How about hopping on a bus to a local park for a walk around? Why not join the activities at your local sports centre?
- Green banks. Banks help us keep our money safe. As they have lots of customers like us they are really powerful as they decide where all that money goes, so they really shape the world we live in. Will they use it to build new oil and gas exploitation sites that will increase pollution out there or invest it on supporting farmers to turn their fields organic and clean up our atmosphere?
- Explore which banks are better or worse at creating a cleaner future with Parents for Future’s children’s resources here.
- Why not create a drawing for your bank telling them you would like them to protect your future? Take a picture and send it to us here
- Ask your school. Do they have an ethical bank account?
- The most powerful action is to switch your bank account to a greener option. Investigate Switch It Green for help on the process.