ADVENTURES IN ECO-PARENTING

LEAH KLEIN MAKES GOING GREEN CHILD’S PLAY

ECO-COMMUTE YOUR WAY BACK TO SCHOOL

From swimming pools to carpools, the times, they are a-changing
—in more ways than one. Take an eco-step in the right direction
and consider school and work commute alternatives for an
easier-than-you-think way to stamp out your family’s carbon footprint.

Take a Hike
Walking, if logistically possible, is definitely the green way to go. No need to give up driving altogether—just pick one or two days a week, a few days a month or even one whole month when the weather is nice to get where you are going on foot. Saving the planet aside, walking will vastly improve your mental and physical health (hello, slimmer waistline), not to mention the quality time it creates for you and your kids.

Come On Ride the Train—or Bus
There are so many benefits (besides the eco-obvious) to taking the train. Taking public transportation requires planning, which means that you have a good reason to get the family together and talk about the day ahead. Getting the whole family on the same page not only fosters a sense of inclusion but helps to get everyone excited about the valiant efforts they’re making to do the green thing. Riding the train or bus means downtime to chat with your kids, read a book, review homework, people-watch or just sit quietly and watch the world go by. It’s a true bonding experience that is guaranteed to make memories.

We Go Together
Carpooling is a fun, cost-effective and eco-smart way to get to school or work. You save on gas and help reduce morning and afternoon drive-time traffic while strengthening bonds with your friends and family. Plus, if you’re driving the kids to school, you get to eavesdrop on the chatter du jour.

Who’s Doing What?
In Arlington, Mass., a group of parents whose kids played together as toddlers stayed in touch when the children started school by organizing a “walking school bus.” Twice a week, one parent walks the kids to school. The walking school bus includes kids from kindergarten through third grade. One parent notes, “As the kids get older, fewer parents are needed. I only walk once a week now. There are so many great things about walking this way! Guaranteed regular exercise. Some high-energy kids really need a way to work some energy out before school. [It] reinforces neighborhood bonds among kids who are not necessarily in the same class or grade. Kids learn how to cross all the streets and how to navigate where there are no sidewalks, so they can be prepared to go on their own. “

The advantage for parents is that they gain more morning time to get to work. In addition, the children get used to walking rather than driving everywhere.

Another parent bikes her girls to school with a Trail-a-Bike for her 6-year-old and a trailer for the 3-year-old. The mom says, “We try to bike and walk as much as we can, barring really bad weather or after-school appointments.”

There are so many fun and inspiring stories out there, like this one from a dad who takes his daughter to school on a Danish passenger bike every day (read it at www.velofellow.com).

So grab your family’s helmets, hop on the bike(s), slip on some walking shoes or pull out the bus schedule and get ready to start the year off on the right foot (literally). Now, off you go!

Resources

For Walking:
MapMyRun/Walk
Walking School Bus
Safe Routes to School

For Biking:
Trail-a-Bike
Wheelworks
Bobike
iBert
Bike Tutor
Totcycle
How to Ride Safely with Toddlers
Family on a Bike
Bike Friday Folding Bikes
Commute by Bike
Bike Commute Tips Blog

For Public Transportation:
MBTA (Boston)
Bikes on the T (Boston)
MTA (NYC)
BART (San Francisco Bay Area)
History of U.S. subway systems and links

Leah Klein is mom to Isabelle and Henry. Henry commutes to daycare with his family by foot. Isabelle commutes to school with her family by foot, by car and perhaps for the first time by bicycle this year. Daddy commutes to work by bicycle as much as possible. Leah is the Boston Food Mom at Examiner.com (www.examiner.com/x-1240-Boston-Food-Mom-Examiner).