5 simple ways to celebrate Earth Day with kids

In Kids, Living by Sara2 Comments

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This Friday, April 22nd, is Earth Day–a great day to promote appreciation and raise awareness about the environment with your children! It certainly would be a great day to join in a local event, plant a tree, visit a local recycling center, or pick up trash in your neighborhood. But, even if you can’t partake in a “BIG” task, there are many things you can do at home to celebrate Earth Day.

1. Turn trash into Treasure!  Recycle items around the house by making fun crafts. The kids will not only love this “reusing” aspect of recycling, but you can talk about the importance of recycling while you craft. We are digging this Milk cartoon bird feeder from Kaboose.com, and there are many more Earth Day Craft ideas to choose from!

2. Watch & Learn  PBS KIDS “Share the Earth” Celebration, with new & favorite eco-focused shows airing April 18-22. Visit PBS KIDS online for various Earth Day games & activities.

3. Seek out Energy wasters!  With older children, search the house for energy and/or water wasting items. Older kids could help change normal bulbs to cfl or unplug devices that are wasting electricity. While they are doing that, you could seek out potential problems with your kitchen appliances, such as faulty gaskets which may create a portal for excessive energy consumption; moreover, you can typically do-it-yourself when it comes to replacing simple appliance parts, rather than hiring a professional. Use the day to have a discussion with your family about ways you could “Go Green”. Visit National Geographic’s Green Guide for more ideas.

4. Have an “Earth Hour”.  While Earth Hour was officially March 26th, why not celebrate Earth Day by turning off the lights (and the tv, computer, ipod, etc.) for one hour?! Use the time to have a discussion with your family or do something fun by candle light, like…

5. Read Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax. This may be one of the best eco-related books of all time! For, he is the Lorax…he speaks for the trees. It’s a great reminder (for all ages) about caring for the planet, because after all “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not”.

How do YOU like to celebrate Earth Day with your kids?

Meet the Author | Sara


Comments

  1. How interesting that Good Friday and Earth Day will be on the same day this year. Great ideas to help remind our children how important it is to respect our surroundings. Thank you! Have a great day!

  2. Love The Lorax! Thanks for reminding us that it’s the perfect time of year to re-read/watch it. (Actually, one of my first dates w/my husband was watching the Lorax)…good times.

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