Last month, my 9 year old son Reilly, had a birthday and a party with ten of his friends. Of the ten gifts he received, three of those were packaged in 100% recycled materials. How did I know this? The children that brought them told me. Immediately upon their arrival. They were proud of themselves. They knew it was significant.

This month I had a birthday. Not one of my gifts came in recycled packaging. Not even the gift my husband, Ryan, picked out for me. Had my children gone with him I truly believe it would have at least been considered. I pointed it out to Ryan who at least once a week wonders aloud where our recycled items go and whether or not it does any good. The best he could muster was a blank stare. Busted. Big duh moment there honey.

The moral of the story? There are a few actually. Yes, our children are very accepting of the fact that our planet is in peril and their lives are being shaped in a manner that will make a difference. But no, we cannot wait for them to fix it. There may not be time for that.

Secondly, these children will be consumers one day. Their older siblings already are and little things like recycled packaging and minimal packaging is important to them. When these young consumers judge your products, will they pass the test and compel them to purchase? Whether you believe that our planet is in peril or not is irrelevant. The next generation of shoppers do.