

Fostering love and respect for the environment and wildlife should start early. By equipping our keiki with the knowledge and tools they need, we can empower them to help create a sustainable future. Children can develop lifelong habits that protect our ‘āina (land) and moana (ocean) with the right guidance and resources. Here are some fun, practical ways to inspire eco-friendly habits in your keiki.
Lead by Example
Kids learn best by watching the adults around them. By embracing sustainable habits yourself, you set a positive example for them to follow. Show them how small, mindful actions – like using reusable shopping bags and conserving water – can make a big impact and become an everyday part of life.
Respect Wildlife
Teaching respect for animals is a key aspect of environmental awareness. Spark curiosity by encouraging your children to observe bugs, birds, and other creatures in their natural habitats without disturbing them. Help them understand that every animal and plant plays an important role in our ecosystem and that their job is to help protect it.
Explore the Outdoors
Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystem is a natural classroom. Spend time with your keiki at the beach or in the forest, discussing the impact of litter on the ocean, marine life, and the environment. Talk about how trash and other debris can make their way into nearby storm drains and end up in the ocean. For a fun and educational way to teach your keiki about storm water and pollution, check out Hawai’i Storm Patrol. Use these moments to introduce simple sustainability concepts like recycling, composting, and conserving resources at home. A fun way to get your keiki interested in our ‘āina is to conduct a nature scavenger hunt with them!
Foster Good Habits
Once your keiki understand the importance of sustainability, encourage them to adopt easy, eco-friendly practices. Teach them to turn off the tap while brushing their teeth, switch off lights when leaving a room, and reuse and repair items to reduce waste. These small actions, like throwing trash away correctly, can instill pride and a sense of responsibility in protecting the environment.
Give Back to the Community
Encourage your keiki to “pay it forward” by donating gently used clothes, toys, or household items . Regularly cleaning out and donating items not only reduces waste but also teaches the value of helping others. It’s a win for the environment and for the community!
Volunteer Together
Spend time volunteering with your keiki on sustainability projects through local nonprofits and clubs. Many organizations offer family-friendly opportunities to participate in hands-on environmental stewardship programs. If your keiki are 12 years or older, consider participating together in the Adopt-A-Highway program to help clear our roadways of trash and debris. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the community while teaching your keiki the importance of mālama ‘āina and mālama i ka wai.
By nurturing these values and habits early, we empower our keiki to grow into responsible caretakers of our islands and our planet.