Wondering how to get your kids to think more about energy and global warming? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a comprehensive list of ways kids and parents can get more involved this fall—both inside and outside of the classroom.

• If you take your kids to school, you’re no stranger to the long line of buses sitting out front school with their engines running. Take action and ask school officials to adopt a no-idling policy. Idling wastes fuel and pollutes the air, something that’s even more compelling when you think about how children are especially sensitive to diesel exhaust, which causes respiratory problems and worsens allergies and asthma. Learn more about how to reduce school bus idling.
• Walking provides plenty of great exercise and helps save energy at the same time. International Walk to School month is each October, and it gives children, parents, school teachers, and community leaders an opportunity to be part of a global event as they celebrate the many benefits of walking. Depending on what’s right for each community, the International Walk to School movement works to promote safer streets, healthier habits, and a healthier environment. Whatever reason speaks to you, move those legs and encourage your kids to walk!
• Since 1971, the EPA has sponsored a program called the President’s Environmental Youth Awards. The awards program recognizes young people across America for projects that demonstrate their commitment to the environment. Winning projects in the past have covered a wide range of subject areas, including environmental science, recycling programs in schools and communities, major tree planting programs, and videos, skits, and newsletters that focus on environmental issues. Young people in all 50 states and the U.S. territories are invited to participate.
• EPA launched the People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) Student Design Competition for Sustainability to promote innovative thinking in agriculture, the built environment, materials and chemicals, energy, and water. Through this national student design competition, college students gain new skills and knowledge as they research, develop, design, and implement scientific and technical solutions to environmental challenges.
• Need a fat list of resources for students, educators, and parents? The EPA has set up a whole area on their website with resources, games, contests, internships and summer programs, and more.

Wondering how to get your kids to think more about energy and global warming? Here are five ideas.