A decade ago, taking care of the environment required a lot more time and effort.
However, in 2025, living sustainably in the Mile High City is not only beneficial for the environment but can bring your family together as you learn about Mother Earth. A great place to get started is Green Clean Together: A Family’s Guide: Engaging and Teaching Your Kids Through Eco-Friendly Home Care.
Here are some eco-friendly tips tailored to Denver families:
1. Waste Reduction
- Compost at Home: The city of Denver offers a composting program for food scraps and yard waste.
- Recycle Smart: Follow Denver’s single-stream recycling guidelines to properly sort plastics, metals, paper, and glass.
- Minimize Single-Use Plastics: Bring reusable bags, bottles, and containers to stores and events.
- Buy Second-Hand. Denver has so many great consignment and thrift shops!
2. Eco-Friendly Activities for Kids
- DIY Crafts with Recycled Materials
- Turn cardboard, plastic bottles, and old newspapers into creative art projects like bird feeders, toy robots, or planters.
- Gardening Together
- Start a mini garden with easy-to-grow plants like carrots, lettuce, or sunflowers. Kids can learn about composting and the importance of healthy soil.
- Nature Walks and Cleanups
- Explore local parks and trails while picking up litter. This teaches them to care for the environment while enjoying the outdoors.
- Build a Bug Hotel
- Use natural materials like sticks, pinecones, and bark to create a habitat for beneficial insects.
- Cooking with Leftovers
- Teach kids about reducing food waste by turning leftovers into new dishes or snacks.
- Water Play with Purpose
- On a hot day, let them water the garden or play with rainwater collected in a barrel.
Green Habits to Cultivate
- Sorting Recycling
- Make recycling a game where they sort items into the correct bins. There are so many fun resources online to make recycling fun for kids, like Recycle and Play: Awesome DIY Zero-Waste Projects to Make for Kids.
- Reusable Lunch Gear
- Pack their lunches with reusable containers, water bottles, and cloth napkins.
- Turn It Off
- Teach them to turn off lights, fans, and electronics when not in use.
- Be Mindful Shoppers
- Encourage them to look for eco-friendly toys and clothes, such as items made from recycled or sustainable materials.
- Hand-Me-Down Culture
- Make passing down toys or clothes a fun event where kids choose items to give to siblings or friends. Be sure to check out Mile High Mamas’ semi-annual round-up to the area’s consignment sales.
Learning Opportunities
- Eco-Themed Books and Movies
- Read books like The Lorax by Dr. Seuss or watch documentaries like Planet Earth to spark curiosity about the environment.
- Science Experiments
- Demonstrate how plants absorb water with celery and food dye or make a DIY solar oven to cook snacks.
- Create a Weather Journal
- Observe and record daily weather to connect them with the environment’s patterns. Take a field trip to the National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesa Lab in Boulder for a fun field trip.
- Wildlife Watching
- Set up a bird feeder and track which birds visit your yard.
Family Challenges
- Zero Waste Days
- We recently listened to a fascinating interview with the authors of Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life By Reducing Your Waste. Pick a day each week to focus on creating as little waste as possible.
- Plastic-Free Shopping
- Involve kids in bringing reusable bags and finding plastic-free alternatives.
- Energy-Saving Competition
- Make a game out of who can remember to turn off lights and devices.
2. Embrace Energy Efficiency
- Switch to Renewable Energy: Denver offers renewable energy programs like Xcel Energy’s Windsource and Solar*Rewards.
- Upgrade Your Home: Install energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and smart thermostats to reduce energy consumption.
- Weatherproof Your Home: Seal windows and doors to improve insulation and reduce heating needs during Denver’s chilly winters.
3. Green Transportation
- Use Public Transit: Denver’s RTD buses and light rail system are eco-friendly options for commuting.
- Bike and Walk: Take advantage of Denver’s extensive network of bike lanes and trails. Don’t miss Denver’s best biking trails.
- Drive Electric: Consider electric or hybrid vehicles, and make use of Denver’s EV charging stations.
4. Sustainable Food Choices
- Shop Local: Support Denver farmers’ markets, like the Union Station Farmers Market, for fresh, locally sourced produce.
- Plant a Garden: Grow your own vegetables, herbs, and flowers in your backyard or in a community garden plot.
- Meatless Mondays: Reduce your carbon footprint by incorporating more plant-based meals.
5. Conserve Water
- Install Low-Flow Fixtures: Use water-efficient showerheads and toilets to save water.
- Landscape Wisely: Opt for xeriscaping with native plants that require minimal watering.
- Collect Rainwater: Use rain barrels to capture water for your garden (allowed under Colorado law with restrictions).
6. Eco-Friendly Activities for Kids
- Nature Exploration: Visit local parks, like City Park or Cherry Creek State Park, to teach kids about ecosystems. Check out our Denver hikes the whole family will love.
- Upcycle Crafts: Turn recyclables into creative DIY projects.
- Eco-Education: Participate in programs at places like the Denver Museum of Nature & Science or the Denver Botanic Gardens.
7. Community Involvement
- Volunteer: Join local clean-up events, such as those organized by Denver Parks and Recreation. Check out JustServe.org for Denver-area service opportunities.
- Join a Co-Op: Participate in cooperative initiatives, like food co-ops or solar gardens.
- Advocate: Engage with organizations like the Denver Sustainable Neighborhoods Program to make a broader impact.
8. Seasonal Sustainability
- Winter: Use draft stoppers and energy-efficient heating to stay cozy without overusing energy.
- Summer: Make use of ceiling fans, shade trees, and window coverings to keep your home cool naturally.
We’ve got this, Mile High Mamas! Denver’s commitment to sustainability, coupled with the natural beauty of its surroundings, makes eco-friendly living a rewarding lifestyle choice for our families. Let’s teach them to reduce our environmental footprint while creating a healthier and more vibrant community.
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Author: Mile High Mamas
