While parents have a duty to educate their children on respecting the Earth, results found 76 percent of parents actually feel their child is the one advocating for environmentally-friendly changes in their home.

The survey of 2,000 Americans — 74 percent of which were parents — found that seven in 10 homes consider themselves as an eco-household. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Avocado Green Mattress, the survey progressed to defining the key characteristics of an eco-home. Results found that an eco-household most commonly includes active recycling, avoiding food waste, and reducing energy consumption. And 77% want to be even greener, with most believing that small actions for the environment can add up to make a big difference. We couldn’t agree more!

With 76 percent of parents saying their children drive environmental change, it turns out the kids are alright.

I can recall the first time my mom whipped out her reusable grocery bag in the checkout lane. I could tell how proud she was, and it meant a lot to see that she cared and understood its significance. In a reversal of roles, I even remember exclaiming, “I’ve taught you so well!” Not long after, she gifted me some of her favorite reusable bags and mesh produce bags.

I spoke with my sisters to see how my nieces might be changing their behaviors. Both have young children, so while their kids might not be initiating the change, they’re definitely driving it. They both agreed that they have become more conscious of the food they purchase and consume since having kids. They’re buying primarily organic to avoid extra chemicals and pesticides in their foods and to support their local farmers. A daughter with severe allergies has also led my older sister to reconsider her cleaning supplies and other products that she brings into the home. My other sister (an animal-lover) has concerns about single-use plastics in our oceans and is committed to using reusable products for her coffee & water, groceries, and kids’ snacks. The steps are small, but taken all together they make a difference.

Elsewhere in the world, we can see the effects of the next generation taking action. Young crusaders like Greta Thurnberg and the American teens leading the Youth Climate Strike are at the forefront of a world pleading for change.

It probably shouldn’t come as a surprise that children are inspiring the change. It is, after all, their future that’s at stake.

 

How is change being driven in your household? Share with us on social by tagging us @AvocadoMattress and #AvocadoGreenMagazine!

 
Annie Graybill is an occasional writer and content marketer with a background in the outdoor and ski industry. Currently residing in the mountains of Colorado, you can most often find her out on her mountain bike or skiing, and always striving to eat cleaner and live greener. She also has a passion for design & architecture and is currently building a small Scandinavian inspired cabin in the woods.

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