I'm sorry to say that this is not exclusive to children; I have many adult friends who absolutely refuse to even think about going green in any form. They won't recycle or consider the effects of their wasteful behavior. When confronted, one of my acquaintances actually told me that he can't be bothered because he can afford to do what he wants. I guess being a spoiled brat is not just a function of age. at least in regard to kids you can tell yourself that they're just too young to get it. Adult energy wasters? Selfish, tiny jerks!

Today

My children and I have bee recycling since the 1970's

If a person, family or just a friend starts out at an early age to know "green" they will pass it on. Be sure to make a point with the young. Also teach or remind the old.

I think it's good to get young children thinking about the environment and recycling by the time they enter school. It all fits in with what they will be learning about in their science class. In fact, I know that it will tie in very nicely with what they discuss in their classes at school. It may help to reinforce the values of recycling to continue the thinking at home.

Additionally, children learn by what they see done at home and school. If you show initiative with recycling at home, they will see your pro-active approach and perhaps it will impact how they think about treating the world around them especially when it comes to the environment. It is a reflection of good values that are instilled at an early age.