Children are the future — if anyone is going to make a difference and start new ways of protecting the earth, it’s our children. It is never too early to start teaching children the importance of keeping our planet clean and learning how to reduce, reuse and recycle.
We have put together a list of some things you can do with your children to celebrate our Mother Earth on April 22.
Plant a Tree
Researchers estimate roughly 15 billion trees in the world are cut down each year, so help offset that loss by planting a tree of your own. Pick a spot in your yard where you can watch the growth of the tree. This will be a great reminder to explain why planting a tree is so important each time you check in with the tree’s growth. Depending on where the tree is planted, the shade from trees can even reduce the need for air conditioning in hotter months
Volunteer
Make it a family affair and volunteer to pick up trash at a nearby park or start a collection drive for recyclable items in your neighborhood. Think of this as a time to not only help the earth, but to make some new friends too!
Turn Off the Lights
Kids love a challenge, especially when you make it a fun one. Make it a game and turn off the lights for the day/night. Try conserving electrical energy by using only what you need.
Limit Water Usage
Did you know turning off the water while brushing your teeth can conserve up to eight gallons of water a day? To help save even more H20, challenge yourself to take a shorter shower (but still get clean!).
Craft
There are so many ways to craft using recycled materials. Teach your children the meaning of reduce, reuse, recycle by incorporating a DIY craft into the Earth Day celebration.
Hold a nature “scavenger hunt”
Send the kids out into the garden or park in teams to collect – or spot – various items on a list you provide. This gets them outside, while also enjoying the nature around them.
Collect Food for Composting
That apple core from lunch? Egg shells after breakfast? Don’t throw them away! Teach your kids how composting adds to soil for a future veggie or flower garden that they can help plan. Keep a sealed container under your sink and instruct your kids what is/isn’t OK to compost. A great resource for composting guidelines is the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Recycle School Papers
After going through the work with your kids and confirming that they no longer need to keep the papers they bring home, take a paper shopping bag that’s too tattered to reuse and have your child put their papers in there to recycle.
What is your family planning for Earth Day? We would love to hear your ideas. Follow us on Facebook to let us know how you will be celebrating Earth Day.
