I have three children who think the floor is a clothes hamper and believe dirty dishes magically jump from the sink into the dishwasher (when they make it from the table to the sink, that is).

Yet these same kids will scream bloody murder if they see me (in a moment of forgetfulness or blind multitasking) put a can or I have three children who think the floor is a clothes hamper and believe dirty dishes magically jump from the sink into the dishwasher (when they make it from the table to the sink, that is).

Yet these same kids will scream bloody murder if they see me (in a moment of forgetfulness or blind multitasking) put a can or bottle in the garbage can instead of the recycling bin.

“Mom!” they’ll shout simultaneously, not bothering to mask the disgust in their voices. You’d think I was personally responsible for global warming because one out of 100 times I toss a soup can in the garbage.

On one hand, I find this supremely annoying. “If it’s that important, put it in recycling yourself!” I’ve snapped on more than one occasion. (And amazingly, they do.)

But on the other hand, I’m deeply gratified that my children have taken recycling to heart like this. At an age when the world revolves around them, they are at least somewhat aware that causes exist that deserve their attention.

Rosalie, my 7-year-old, insists on participating in Walk to School Wednesdays at her school, even when the temperature dips. I constantly find Lucy, 13, doing her homework in the near dark because she waits until the last moment to turn lights on and at 16, Danny is lobbying for a hybrid car.

I have to admit, these are not lessons they’ve learned because I’ve preached them. Yes, I’ve modeled them, but that’s about the extent of my participation. I have to thank their teachers and even the public service announcements they’ve seen on television over the years for reinforcing the reduce, reuse, recycle message.

For ideas on how to help children better understand the impact their actions can have on the environment, read our story on page 19. And remember, you may be modeling behaviors for your children, but keep in mind that in some areas, children can be more savvy (and aware) than parents.

I promise the next time an errant can ends up in the garbage, I’ll do the diving to retrieve it — and I’ll thank my kids for reminding me that even little efforts add up to positive results.