Environmentally friendly facts for kids

Environmentally friendly (also called eco-friendly or green) means that something does not harm the environment or harms it very little. This can apply to things we buy, services we use, or even laws and rules. When products or services are eco-friendly, they often have special pictures or symbols called eco-labels. These labels help people know that the product is made in a way that is better for our planet. However, there are many different eco-labels, and sometimes they can be confusing because they might mean different things.

What Does Eco-Friendly Mean?

Being eco-friendly means thinking about how our actions affect the Earth. It's about protecting nature and its resources. This includes things like clean air, clean water, and healthy soil. When something is eco-friendly, it usually helps to:

• Reduce pollution, like dirty air or water.
• Save natural resources, such as water, trees, and minerals.
• Use less energy, especially energy from fossil fuels.
• Create less waste.
• Protect animals and their homes.

Eco-Labels and What They Tell You

Eco-labels are like badges that products wear to show they are environmentally friendly. They are put on products by companies or special groups. The idea is to help you choose products that are better for the planet.

For example, an eco-label might tell you:

• A product was made using recycled materials.
• It uses less water or energy.
• It does not contain harmful chemicals.
• It comes from a farm that protects nature.

However, because many different groups create these labels, it can be hard to know what each one truly means. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a group that tries to make rules for these labels. They want to make sure that eco-labels are clear and honest.

Why Is Being Eco-Friendly Important?

Being eco-friendly is very important for our planet and for future generations. Our Earth has limited resources. If we use them up too quickly or pollute too much, it can cause big problems.

Some reasons why it's important to be eco-friendly include:

• Protecting the Planet: It helps keep our air and water clean. It also protects forests, oceans, and all living things.
• Saving Resources: Many resources, like oil and gas, are not renewable. Being eco-friendly helps us use less of these.
• Better Health: Less pollution means cleaner air to breathe and cleaner water to drink. This helps people stay healthier.
• Future Generations: By taking care of the environment now, we make sure there are enough resources and a healthy planet for kids and adults in the future.
• Saving Money: Sometimes, being eco-friendly can also save money. For example, using less electricity means lower energy bills.

How Can You Be Eco-Friendly?

Everyone can do things to be more eco-friendly in their daily lives. Even small actions can make a big difference when many people do them.

Here are some ways you can be eco-friendly:

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: This is often called the "three Rs."
  • Reduce: Try to buy less stuff and create less waste.
  • Reuse: Find new ways to use things instead of throwing them away. For example, use a reusable water bottle instead of buying plastic ones.
  • Recycle: Put paper, plastic, glass, and metal in the correct recycling bins.
• Save Energy:
  • Turn off lights when you leave a room.
  • Unplug electronics when you are not using them.
  • Walk or bike instead of always using a car.
• Save Water:
  • Take shorter showers.
  • Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
• Choose Eco-Friendly Products:
  • Look for products with trusted eco-labels.
  • Choose products that are made locally to reduce shipping pollution.
  • Buy items that last longer instead of disposable ones.
• Support Green Businesses:
  • Choose companies that care about the environment.
  • Learn about how companies make their products.

By making these choices, you can help protect our planet and make it a healthier place for everyone.

Images for kids

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  A sewage treatment plant that uses solar energy, located at Santuari de Lluc monastery in Spain.

• 

  Environmentally Friendly speed warning powered by solar and wind power.

See also

A robot helping to teach about the environment.

• Sustainability
• Green building
• Renewable energy
• Pollution
• In Spanish: Respetuoso con el medio ambiente para niños