Being a green parent means that I am always on the lookout for ways to raise my family’s awareness about the environment. Since my daughter is 18 months old, my husband and I find simple ways to help her to connect with nature, like gardening, taking walks in the woods, recycling, watching us pick up litter, and finding new ways to use old things (for example, we made a snack trap from a vegan butter container). Basically, we try to make caring for the environment another fun part of her childhood.
As Annabelle grows older and begins to understand more about taking action on behalf of the environment, I hope that a) she continues to have an appreciation for Mother Earth, and b) that environmentalism remains “fun” and worthwhile for her. Right now, the prospects look good . . .
One ally for green parents hoping to teach their children about the environment is a new Internet cartoon called “Heartwood USA.” Created by Shane Keats, a former campaigner for Clinton/Gore, “Heartwood” features environmental mysteries solved by girl detective Carson Heartwood, who is described as “one of those kids who can’t get enough out of life.”
The premier episode is titled “Cow-a-dunga” and details Carson’s mission to save her town (and the planet) from global warming caused by methane emissions from a local dairy farm. Carson explains how dairy farming affects global warming with language only green kids would find amusing. She says to the local dairy cows: “Every time one of you farts, the planet gets hotter.” The cartoon’s token bullies respond with a “Milk Drinkers For Truth” campaign who defend dairy by appealing to emotion: “Those poor cows will never work again.”
In the end, Carson is triumphant but knows that her work as a kid environmentalist will continue. When Carson states that the fight against global warming will “get worse,” her friend Hugo reassures to keep her spirits high and that in the long run, it’s worth it: “It’ll get better eventually.”
A bonus with each episode is a “Learn More & Take Action” list that allows kid viewers to stop and think about environmental issues and empowers them to take action to protect the earth. For parents of cartoon watching kids, “Heartwood USA” is a great educational alternative to mainstream toons, and it may inspire interesting debate at the dinner table. After watching “Heartwood USA,” don’t be surprised if your kiddo asks you if the meat on their plate is organic and grass fed.
Click here to watch “Cow-a-dunga,” and let me know what you think about “Heartwood USA.” Also, what kinds of activities do you do with your kids to raise their awareness about global warming? How else does your family go green?
For more information about global warming caused by methane, visit:
