The first established “Earth Day” was on April 22nd, 1970 at the beginning of the modern environmental movement. Now, 49 years later, Earth Day is something that we celebrate yearly on April 22nd. Around the globe, communities gather to participate in activities that give back to the planet in some way. Garbage collection, tree planting, and river cleanups are common ways to engage but there’s plenty you can do at home to celebrate the day!
Play a Recycling Game
Gather a bunch of items that can and cannot be recycled – food wrappers, plastic bottles, styrofoam egg cartons, etc. Spread them out and have your child separate them out into trash, recyclables, and things that can be recycled at special locations (plastic bags, styrofoam containers). After the activity has been completed, have a discussion on the
importance of recycling and the impact single-use plastics have on the planet. Trash doesn’t magically disappear – it goes into landfills, oceans, rivers, and streams and stays there for hundreds of years.
More activities: https://www.juliantrubin.com/fairprojects/environment/waste_management.html
Start a Family Compost Bin
Composting creates a nutrient-filled soil for plants and it is made up of things that you use daily – FOOD! Composting helps reduce the food waste that makes its way into landfills and helps the environment. Use this Earth Day to start composting in your backyard!
Carpool for the week
If you have other kids in the neighborhood that go to the same school, teach the importance of carpooling by arranging a weekly carpool with the other families!
Start Meatless Mondays
Eating meat one less day a week can have benefits for your health, the environment, and your wallet! Make “Meatless Mondays” a family tradition just like you would do Taco Tuesdays!
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