Talking to Our Kids About Climate Change (and Why the Kitchen Is the Best Place to Start)

A new UNICEF and Capgemini study reveals something every parent should know: our kids are worried about climate change. Nearly 7 out of 10 young people worldwide say they’re concerned about their future—and in the U.S., that number rises to 8 out of 10.

But here’s the good news: they haven’t lost hope.

More than 70% of kids and teens believe there’s still time to make a difference. They want to be part of the solution. The challenge is that many don’t feel equipped with the skills they need, and fewer than half believe adults are really listening to them.

That’s where we, as parents, can make a difference. Big problems can feel overwhelming for kids—and for us too—but some of the most powerful lessons don’t start in governments or boardrooms. They start at home.

And the kitchen may be the most important classroom of all. When we bring our kids into everyday cooking, we give them hands-on lessons in sustainability, responsibility, and creativity.

Here’s how simple routines in the kitchen teach climate action:

Food Choices Matter

Eating more plants and choosing local, seasonal foods lowers greenhouse gas emissions and supports healthier communities.

Food Waste = Climate Impact

When food is wasted, it ends up in landfills and produces methane. Teaching kids to save leftovers, plan meals, and compost helps reduce this.

Energy Use Is Part of Cooking

Batch cooking, covering pots, or turning the oven off a few minutes early all reduce energy use—and our carbon footprint.

Packaging Adds Up

Choosing bulk items and foods with less packaging reduces plastic waste and energy use in production and transport.

Small Habits Create Big Change

Meatless Mondays, saving veggie scraps, or repurposing leftovers teach kids how little things add up.

This is the heart of the My Mindful Kitchen Method: turning meals into moments of responsibility, gratitude, and respect for the world we share.

Because climate solutions aren’t only made in classrooms or boardrooms. They start at home—around the dinner table—with kids who feel empowered to shape their future.