Sorry, but you invited me onto this soap box :)
YES! YES! YES! It is your responsibility to your children to teach them how to recylce, save energy and our precious resources! We should pass on the earth to future generations better than it was given to us.
Recycling is free (you never get a bill for it anyway, it's included in your garbage & tax bills). Your city should provide you with a bin and if they don't, then call your city council representative to get one, or just leave your recycling out in paper bags. You can teach them sort the recycling and make it a weekly game. The younger the better.
Teach your kids to brush their teeth without the water running. Have them turn out lights when they leave a room (or ask a parent). Turn off the car when you're waiting at the bank teller (if it's not 20 below). Also, bring canvas bags when you go grocery shopping. They are stronger than paper or plastic. Keep a couple in the trunk and you're always ready to shop. You can buy them real cheap (under $1.00) at second hand shops. For your next car, buy a hybrid. They are a great way to save money and they work just fine in the winter weather (I own a Honda Civic Hybrid).
Anyway, I can go on and on... please, start today. Your children are our future and I want them to know how important protecting the earth really is.
Be well!
W.