Dare to Go "Green" in 2012

Use this year’s resolutions to raise consciousness and also to really change your behavior.  We are coming out of one of the worst economic downturns in our lives.  Let’s use 2012 as a “do-over”–a look at our past should help to guide us to make different choices for the future.

There is no better time, then now…2012 will be a little different–we are going to add energy efficiency to our new list this year.  This is the best time to think about the environment and how we can do our part.  Let’s start with what I call, the ECO-Effect™.  This concept combines ECOlogy and ECOnomics together, so we can save money and resources at the same time.  In fact, my new book, ECO-Effect™: The Greening of Money, explains these concepts for parents and kids and gives you activities to help you also “ECHO” these ideas, so that parents talk to kids, to schools, to communities to the world to make it a better place for all living things.  How can you and your kids have your own “ECO-Effect™” for the New Year?  Start by showing your children your utility bills and let them come up with energy saving ideas.  For instance, it may be a good idea to turn lights off when you leave the room, or unplug all of those cell phone chargers and who knew that you don’t actually have to have a lengthy conversation with the refrigerator door opened?  Let the kids start this New Year by tracking the savings each month to really see your ECO-Effect™!

How to Make a Money-Smart Kid Consumer

With the holidays right around the corner and shopping on everyone's mind, why not teach your kids a bit about making a "smart" buy decision.  Remember the “blind taste test” we used to do?  Why not do the same with your kids.

For instance, pick a generic cereal and a high-priced brand.  Let the kids blindfold family members and ask them to taste each and give opinions.  You can try this with lots of products (but don’t make the toilet paper test a blindfolded family activity).

You can also test organic or recycled products.  As a family, you may decide to spring for some organic/recycled products that you’ll be willing to pay more for because they may taste better and be better for you and the environment.  For more information go to www.childrensfinancialnetwork.com or eco-effect.net.