You have probably noticed that “Going Green” is all the rage right now with celebrities and major corporations. Meanwhile, we regular Joes and Josephines have been doing our part in reducing, re-using, recycling, and composting without cameras following us around (thank goodness). Think about what you are doing to help conserve Mother Earth. What do your kids know about being conservative with electricity and water? Do they know about renewable and non-renewable resources?

Wind is one of the most promising sources of clean, renewable energy available today. So, how would one obtain power out of thin air? We have toys that can help parents explain the Sun and Sustainable Living in the 21st Century. Power House provides an introduction to regenerative energy sources and sustainable living. Children will learn about energy we get from the sun, wind, plants and electrochemical reactions.

Outside of these engaging experiments, parents need to take an active lead and discuss with their children the importance of being environmentally friendly. Little changes in everyday life can help save the Earth from becoming the garbage dump of the Milky Way. Since everyone tries to stay healthy by drinking water from those handy plastic bottles, just think of how many you put in the garbage can – knowing it can be saved to recycle.

I know that the Recycling Man comes around at least once a week where we live. I’m sure he gets bored with just driving his route and keeping a look-out for houses with recycling bins set at the end of the driveway. Make sure you give him a reason to stop, get out of his truck and do his job! You don’t want your tax dollars going to someone who doesn’t have to work, do you? (I’m sorry Mr. Recycling Man, please don’t take this personally.)

Alliant Energy Kids has a website that can help your children understand the importance of “renewable” and “non-renewable” energy sources. Parents need to lead by setting an example by conserving water. Also, explaining to kids why fresh water is important helps immensely. Tell your kids that we need fresh water to drink, cook and bathe with, and water plants. Ask your children serious questions about what they know about water conservation… Ask them to tell you which ways they waste water. Keep the questions going. What do they think would happen to the world if we ran out of fresh water? Ask them open ended questions that will get them thinking about the Earth and how naturally beautiful and important it really is. After having an open discussion, they will understand conservation better. This will help your kids stop wasting water and electricity – which will help lower everyone’s utility bills.

So your older kids already know about power and water conservation? That’s awesome. Try getting them to think outside the aspect of conservation and progress to Alternative Energy Sources. We at WonderBrains have added new Alternative Energy and Environmental Science kits. Power House introduces kids to regenerative energy sources and sustainable living, while teaching basic concepts in physical science. Learn the physics of force and motion as it applies to Wind Power.

Your kids have now been briefed on Alternative Energy, Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources. The next step is Fuel Cells, Solar Cells and Electrolysis. Help you and your children learn how solar cells turn sunlight into energy with the Fuel Cell Car. Learn how fuel cells work, how to use alternative energies for automobiles, and about reversible fuel cells with Fuel Cell X7, a hydrogen powered car. You never know, you may end up with the next generation’s most influential Green Environmentalists!