It’s easy to let busyness of daily life push thoughts of being eco-friendly to the back burner. But caring for our planet might be easier than you think. Start small by trying one activity a month or making a few small changes. If you’re seasoned, earth-forward enthusiasts, go “all in” and challenge yourself to try all the fun activities below.
WHY IT MATTERS
Raising earth-conscious kids has never been more important than it is today. The earth provides food, water, oxygen, clothing, shelter, medicine and more. Fostering a love for our planet helps people live longer, healthier lives—and making a difference doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This year, take the opportunity to teach kids how to appreciate and care for our planet on Earth Day and every other day.
1. Plant Something
It doesn’t matter if it’s a tree, a flower or a seed. Trees help replenish oxygen and keep the planet cool, flowers promote a healthy ecosystem and support bees and butterflies, and growing food has a host of benefits, including a reduction in food transportation. Plus, it’s a lot of fun to plant and grow something as a family.
2. Attend a Local Farmers Market
Supporting local farms and growers is a great way to keep the earth healthy. The farmers that offer produce and flowers at farmer’s markets often minimize waste compared to conventional grocery stores. Many of them also use fewer chemicals in their growing practices, which helps keep the earth’s soil and water clean. Attending farmers markets is also a fun way to get the family out and about.
3. Visit a National Park
Did you know the U.S. has 62 national parks and almost all have virtual tours? Whether you plan a trip to explore in person or spend time looking at them online, helping kids fall in love with these awe-inspiring treasures grows their appreciation for our planet and all it has to offer.
4. Recycle
Teach kids to look for recycling symbols on packages and recycle as much as possible. At the end of a week see how much your family recycles compared to how much your family throws away. Try to get your recycling output to beat your trash output each week.
5. Make a Recycled Craft
Use recycled items to create something beautiful or unique. Establish a theme or let everyone create whatever they want. Find inspiration with San Diego Family’s Earth Day projects at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/crafts-for-kids.
6. Give It Away
Instead of tossing things you don’t want or need in the trash, have a household collection day of gently used items. Then, take the kids to a local donation center (so they can see the process) or give items to another family (if you don’t know anyone who needs your donations, try a Buy Nothing group on Facebook). Kids might like thinking of other children who would enjoy their toy donations.
7. Make a Birdfeeder
Find a pinecone, cover it with a layer of peanut butter and roll it in birdseed. Hang the feeder outdoors for birds to enjoy, making sure it’s in a safe spot from predators (such as a neighborhood cat).
8. Get Inspired
Watch the video of poet Amanda Gorman reciting her poem, “Earthwise.” Kids and adults will be inspired to treat our planet well.
9. Take 52
Commit to taking one hike, walk or bike ride each week for one year. Make a chart to keep track of your progress.
10. Just One Thing
Swap out one plastic (or disposable) item each month for a more sustainable alternative, such as reusable water bottles, travel mugs, reusable straws, shopping bags and sandwich bags.
11. Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace is a global movement to leave the planet in its most natural state—and, in the spirit of outdoor enthusiasts everywhere—to leave the world better than we found it when we’re out and about. Do a little research about Leave No Trace; then challenge the kids on your next outing to leave no trace that they were ever there.
12. Get Outside
The best way to help kids take care of the earth is to fall in love with it. Spending time outside, enjoying beautiful creatures, foliage, mountains, beaches and sunsets is a great way to breathe fresh air, get some and exercise, and learn to love the big beautiful planet we call home.
When we are intentional about taking care of the planet, everyone wins.
Rebecca Hastings is a freelance writer.
