Shaping the next generation’s mindset on why use environmentally friendly products is a responsibility. If students learn about the environmental impact of plastics at a young age, they’re more likely to adopt sustainable habits that make a difference. 

Introducing students to concepts like alternative packaging to plastic and the necessity to support an eco-friendly business empowers them to make conscious choices in their daily lives. And these choices could help save the oceans from 75 to 99 million tons of plastic waste.

In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of eco-friendly and sustainable packaging, why eco-friendly practices matter, and how to instill these values in children to help create a more sustainable future.

Benefits of Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Alternatives

Adopting sustainable habits isn’t just a trend. It’s actually a big move to help the planet. Here are some of its key benefits:

1. Reduces Waste

The Philippines has 296 operating landfills, but they’re struggling to keep up with the country’s waste. Using reusable containers and supporting biodegradable packaging for business can help minimize the amount of trash sent to landfills. 

2. Conserves Resources

Making products from new materials requires more energy and water. Switching to eco-friendly items like cassava starch bags helps reduce this demand because they’re often made from recycled or sustainable materials that use far fewer resources.

3. Promotes Better Habits

Children exposed to sustainable options, like bamboo toothbrushes or reusable straws, learn to prioritize long-term solutions over short-term convenience.

How to Build Sustainable Habits in Children

Building sustainable habits in children starts with education and practical application. Here are ways to instill eco-conscious behaviors:

1. Teach Through Storytelling

Sustainability is a complex topic for children. But through storytelling, you can show them how their individual actions can affect the environment. Help them understand why use environmentally friendly products by sharing engaging stories, books, or videos.

2. Incorporate Sustainability in Play

Children learn best through playing. Use eco-friendly toys and craft supplies made from recycled or biodegradable materials to make your sustainability lessons more memorable.

3. Lead by Example

When parents and teachers consistently exhibit eco-friendly behaviors like bringing reusable bags to the store or refusing single-use plastics, kids are more likely to adopt these habits.

School Initiatives that Can Build Sustainable Habits

Many schools in the Philippines are already teaching young students to build sustainable habits, such as:

1. Reusable Containers and Utensils

Encouraging lunch boxes and tumblers over disposables to reduce waste.

2. Trash segregation programs

Clear labels on bins help students learn responsible waste sorting.

3. Eco-Friendly Campaigns

Activities like “Plastic-Free Days” promote waste reduction and support sustainable practices.

Build a Greener Tomorrow

By teaching children why use environmentally friendly products helps create a ripple effect that inspires communities to adopt eco-conscious practices. If you’re ready to make eco-friendly changes, Oikos is a sustainable business in the Philippines that offers innovative solutions, like packaging made of cassava starch, to help reduce waste and protect the environment. Explore our products today, and together, let’s build a greener, more sustainable future.