Garden Office Blog

Evergreen-Children and Eco-friendly Fun

By Francesca McGlone on 17th November, 2010

Eco-friendly activities are often considered to be more of a chore than a source of enjoyment. However, embracing ecological issues need not be restricted to laborious or costly measures and can actually be adopted simply and easily, as rewarding projects that unite friends and family.

Children are inherently drawn to nature, amazed and constantly curious; they are already the perfect participants when it comes to eco-friendly living. Forging a life-long relationship with nature, based on respect and understanding may go some way to conserving the planet for generations to come.

A garden studio can serve as a welcoming addition to a green lifestyle. The time spent amongst nature will automatically increase as a garden studio provides a convenient base, in keeping with ecological concerns. The structure stands as a highly insulated and energy efficient model, with a construction process, in conjunction with accredited supplies of sustainable and ethically managed materials. The option to plant a garden office with a sedum roof also serves to outwardly signify the building’s ecological identity. A garden building that is mindful of the environment serves as the perfect combination.

Tending to your own vegetable patch is rewarding and can trigger children’s propensity to nurture, as they are attentive to natural processes, which may otherwise be directed into toys and technology. Instead, fruit and vegetables can be cared for, while reducing pollution caused by the transport of food to supermarkets, as well as avoiding pesticides and genetic modification that in turn results in fresh, flavoursome produce. Pride and satisfaction can also be derived from picking ripe fruit and vegetables, as children are given insight into the growth process together with a greater appreciation.

Vegetables that are commonly grown in the UK include carrots, parsnips, potatoes and radishes, while fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, rhubarb and apples can be harvested. Children can also be included in the preparation of meals with the extra bonus of cooking with their own home grown ingredients to make cakes, pies or as part of a roast dinner.

Creating a compost heap in the garden is also a good way of making use of everyday rubbish that pollutes the environment. A whole range of organic materials, such as grass cuttings, flowers, vegetable scraps and egg shells can be put onto a compost heap, which will then turn into fertiliser, which children can use when planting their own shrubs, which will in turn bloom faster.

Planting a tree is also an opportunity to give something back to the environment. Trees can remove up to one ton of carbon dioxide from the air and help cool the earth, as well as providing a valuable habitat for wildlife. Trees also serve as a fixed spectacle for children to take delight in, as birds perch on its branches, sunlight twinkles through its leaves and colour changes through the seasons. Planting a tree can often be used to commemorate someone or something and can be used as a way to ease grief and come to terms with loss with the beginning of new life. As the tree grows with the child, a lasting memory is created, as well as a symbol of emotional maturity.

The environment has endless appeal. Sparking children’s curiosity in ecological issues is not difficult. If done early, children can continue to flourish as green campaigners.

For more ideas and information on eco-friendly activities for children; visit www.ecofriendlykids.co.uk


Category:  Garden Studios

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