Discovering sustainability with children

„We need sustainability so that we can leave a livable future for our children!“ – We hear this often. But actually, it’s much more wonderful to discover and experience sustainability WITH your child. Because when your little explorer grows up playing and learning alongside ecological alternatives and habits, they will eventually become second nature for the whole family and no longer feel like an effort. Maybe you can even turn it into an exciting game or fun family activities. We’ve gathered a few inspirations for you here.

Shopping together

A large part of the is shopping. Whether it's groceries, clothing, or toys, there are eco-friendly alternatives to discover everywhere. If you involve the whole family in shopping as often as possible, your child will learn to pay attention to alternatives in a natural way. For example, give your little explorer the responsibility of packing cloth bags and reusable shopping nets. Or send them to look for vegetables in the supermarket that come without plastic packaging. Maybe you can also occasionally do small errands by bike or on foot? Every small step helps on the way to a more sustainable weekly shop!

You can also start small when it comes to clothing: browse together at flea markets or thrift stores for stylish outfits! It's like a little treasure hunt for the whole family. If that's not really your thing, maybe a swap party with friends or at the kindergarten is an idea. Everyone brings clothes they no longer need, and then they exchange or sell them over cocoa, coffee, and cake. Your child learns in a familiar environment and with their playmates that clothing doesn't always have to be brand new.

Cooking together

Start sustainable projects

Children love to take responsibility for small projects themselves. You can tailor which ones to your family and your little explorer. Whether you create a raised bed together, set up a compost heap for your organic waste, introduce a worm bin, or craft something beautiful from our : involve your child age-appropriately in planning and executing the project. This way, they experience the steps that lead to a more sustainable life firsthand.

Experience nature together

Your child learns best when they understand the connections. And when it comes to sustainability, this works very well through experiencing and discovering nature. Whether it's a walk in the forest, a trip to the lake, or a visit to the zoo: your little explorer learns about WHAT we actually need to protect. Many zoos and animal parks also offer exhibitions on the topic of sustainability, showing how trash and pollution affect animals and plants. With slightly older children, you can also organize a trash collection tour – pack trash bags, gloves, or grabbers and start a competition to see who can fill their trash bag first!

Find playful alternatives

In the meantime, there is a for almost every household item. Finding or making these can be an exciting game! Look for plastic-free products in the supermarket, make your own laundry and dishwashing detergents, or tear old textiles into dishcloths – all of this is fun for your little explorer and helps them experience sustainability playfully. With older children, you can calculate how much CO₂ you have saved through a bike ride or a trip by public transport, or, if you want a practical project, set up a rain barrel or solar collectors in the garden. This way, you can also visually explain climate protection to children. And you can gradually make the children's room more sustainable. You can find more inspiration in our article .

Give away secondhand

Something that is often overlooked is gifts and souvenirs for children's birthday parties: often there is still the expectation to give something brand new. But why actually? Especially among good friends, it can be agreed that for the next birthday only vintage or secondhand items should be given. If that feels uncomfortable for clothing or stuffed animals, choose ceramic or melamine children's tableware or plastic toys – these items can be easily and hygienically cleaned in the dishwasher. If you then use a nice fabric bag or cloth instead of wrapping paper, the gift is completely sustainable.

Sustainable living is a project that grows step by step, especially with children. At LILLYDOO, we know that no one can change everything overnight and that everything takes time. But every little bit helps, and if your little explorer learns and passes on awareness for our environment and its protection, they make a big contribution to a better future! We wish you lots of fun with it.