• Teach children the importance of mindful consumption by prioritising quality over quantity, repairing items when possible, and avoiding unnecessary purchases. Encourage children to participate in decluttering and organising their belongings. Donate gently used items to local charities or shelters.

    Teach children basic repair skills such as sewing buttons or mending clothing. Explore DIY repair tutorials on platforms like YouTube or Instructables.

    Discuss the environmental impact of consumerism with children and involve them in decision-making processes when purchasing new items.

    Make use of a local baby bank - currently the closest is in Tadcaster, but if you’d like support to set one up in Selby, please contact us.

  • Reduce energy consumption by teaching children to turn off lights when leaving a room, unplugging devices when not in use instead of leaving on standby, and using energy-efficient appliances. These habits can help lower your family’s carbon footprint and reduce utility bills.

  • Minimise waste from nappies by opting for eco-friendly alternatives. Consider using reusable nappies to reduce environmental impact. Using Reusable nappies can be a higher initial outlay, but is cheaper overall too. Win win!

    Research reusable nappy options and find a system that works for your family.

  • Teach children the importance of reducing waste and conserving resources through recycling and reusing items. Set up a family recycling system and encourage children to sort recyclables such as paper, glass, and plastics.

    North Yorkshire Council - Recycling and Waste: Access information about recycling services and waste reduction initiatives in Selby. Make sure you’re recycling the right things in the right boxes.

    Explore thrift stores and charity shops in Selby for second-hand clothing, toys, and household items.

    Get creative with upcycling projects at home, such as turning old jars into storage containers or transforming cardboard boxes into playhouses.

Teach Children about Climate Change

Parenting for a Greener Future

Toolkit for Parents in Selby, North Yorkshire: Raising Eco- Conscious Kids

Get Outside! 

Protect the Wildlife 

Buy and Waste 

  • Engage children with the natural world by exploring local parks, nature reserves, and wildlife habitats. Visit Selby’s local parks and green spaces, such as the Community Woodland,Brayton Barff, or Selby Park, for nature walks and picnics. Participate in community gardening projects like the Selby Hands of Hope or join local nature groups for family-friendly events.

  • Take part in national/regional counts like:

    Great Yorkshire Creature Count with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

    RSPBs Big Garden Birdwatch

    Big Butterfly Count

  • Explore the fascinating world of biofluorescence with your children by getting a UV torch and discovering glowing plants and animals in your local area. This fun and educational activity can spark a lifelong interest in nature and science. Watch this BBC feature on biofluorescence to learn more about this natural phenomenon.

  • Install bird feeders, insect hotels, and native plant gardens.

    North Yorkshire Council - Find information about parks and green spaces in the Selby district.

    Yorkshire Wildlife Trust - Get Involved: Explore volunteering opportunities and events organised by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

  • Encourage your children to help local wildlife by creating a hedgehog highway. This involves making small gaps in garden fences to allow hedgehogs to roam freely in search of food and mates. It’s a simple and effective way to support biodiversity and teach children about the importance of wildlife conservation.

    Hedgehog Street: Creating a Hedgehog Highway - Discover how to create hedgehog-friendly access points in your garden and learn more about supporting these charming creatures.

    British Hedgehog Preservation Society - Find additional resources and information on how to protect hedgehogs in your area.