Around the world today, people are celebrating Earth Day. It was first celebrated in 1970 and has grown each year into a time to spread awareness of taking care of the environment and our impact on it. The day has extended from a great time to plant a tree to actions you can take to make a positive change for the Earth. To help you and your family celebrate Earth Day here are some kid friendly Earth Day activities.
- Paint a shopping bag. Reusable shopping bags are definitely the way of the future. Some stores such as Ikea do not offer free shopping bags anymore and some communities have outlawed plastic bags. Make the switch to a canvas, hemp, or recycled plastic bag. Not only are you helping to reduce the amount of resources your family uses, some stores will even give you a bag credit each time you use them. Take some plain bags and decorate them with fabric paint and stencils.
- Recycle. Making the switch to putting glass and plastic containers into a recycling bin rather than a garbage can can be difficult at first, but after the first few times it will become a habit. Go through all the items in your bathroom, kitchen and laundry room and locate the recycle symbol on the bottom with your children. Figure out which items your community takes. If your community only takes a limited number of plastic and glass containers, help your children write a letter to your city or town asking them to expand their recycling program. Less waste can also equal lower costs to your community.
- Reuse. Take an old soda pop bottle or milk carton, cut off the top and fill with potting soil. Go to a local garden center or home improvement store and let your child pick out a packet of seeds to grow. Make sure you add a drainage hole to the bottom of the container and watch your little seeds grow. Your child will love knowing something that started out as a seed may become a beautiful flower or a vegetable they can eat.
- Get Outside. If the weather is nice then go to a local park. Fly a kite, play on the swing set or go for a nature walk. Walk or ride your bikes so that you can reduce the amount of gasoline and carbon emissions for the day. Enjoy the beautiful weather and the time spent with your family.
Earth Day happens once a year but it is important to continue these activities throughout the year. Teach your children to respect the Earth with these Earth Day activities and become a positive change in the world.
Leave a Reply