MORE than half of parents think their children have a better understanding on how to protect the environment than they do, with recycling (44%), global warming (35%) and pollution (28%) being the practises parents are least knowledgeable about, according to a study.

The findings suggest that youngsters are so clued up that over half (52%) of all parents have been taught something new about the changing environment by their children, with kids becoming aware of environmental issues as young as five years old (12%).

The research was conducted to coincide with the release of HiPP Organic’s plantable book ‘Where The Little Things Are’ – a book about nature that grows into a nature habitat.

Since lockdown, almost half of parents (47%) say they have a newfound appreciation for protecting the environment and the great outdoors, with 51% taking more of an interest in gardening.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

More than three quarters (82%) also said their newfound love for the outdoors has caused them to think more about their personal impact on environmental issues such as recycling and air pollution.

Despite the realisation that their children are more clued up than them, more than half (57%) of parents admitted their children knew more about sustainable living than they do, having been reprimanded by their children for unsustainable practises, including using too much water (30%), using too much plastic (32%) and recycling incorrectly (30%).

Further discoveries:

• 85% of parents admit leading figures such as David Attenborough and Greta Thunberg have taught them a great amount about sustainability and environmental practises

• Over half of all parents (52%) described their kids as being ‘passionate’ about protecting the environment ‘Where The Little Things Are’ is a book about nature that grows into a nature habitat. The book, aimed at 0-3 year olds, tells the story of three creatures – a worm, a bee and a hedgehog – and the role they play in helping the environment on HiPP’s organic farms.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

In addition to reading the three stories, parents and kids can gently tear off the seeded paper cover and plant it in the garden.

The seeds within the paper have been specially chosen to grow into plants that help to sustain wildlife featured in the book - a great way to learn about the eco-system.

The book, ‘Where The Little Things Are’, follows the tales of Izzy Bee (bumble bee), Spikey Mikey (hedgehog) and Wiggly Wendy (earth worm) – and the roles they play in helping the produce, that is vital to HiPP’s organic baby food, grow.

Top 5 environmental practises children pester their parents about: 1. Using too much plastic (32%) 2. Using too much water (30%) 3. Recycling incorrectly (30%) 4. Using plastic straws (24%) 5. Using single-use materials (18%)