Celebrate Earth Day All Year Long
Fifty-one years ago on April 22, more than 20 million people in the U.S. celebrated the first ever Earth Day by holding rallies, marches and sit-ins to raise awareness about the fragility of the earth and the need for greater conservation. This one day sparked changes and created laws and organizations, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Now, more than 190 countries across the globe and an estimated one billion people honor Earth Day each year with education and action.
By teaching your child to value and take care of the planet at an early age, you are helping create a lifetime of habits that will benefit everyone. Simple things like walking or riding a bike instead of driving a vehicle for errands and short distances cuts down on air and noise pollution and helps conserve fuel…plus, it is healthier for your body.
Earth Day Ideas You Can Practice All Year Long:
Plant a tree: We need trees to absorb carbon dioxide and provide oxygen for people to breathe.
Recycle or repurpose before trashing: Since it takes two or more months to break down in a landfill, turn paper towel and toilet paper tubes into dramatic play or art materials before throwing them in the trash.
Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth (it saves up to 8 gallons of water a day!) and take shorter showers to conserve water.
Help fight climate change by using less energy produced from fossil fuels (coal, oil or natural gas). Turn off lights when they are not needed.
Contribute to neighborhood trash clean ups, and be sure to not only pick-up trash but recycle as possible.
Reduce your “foodprint” by adding a “Meatless Monday” where you only eat vegan or vegetarian foods that day.
Fast Facts About Conservation:
It can take 450 years for a plastic bottle to decompose in a landfill.
The number of garbage trucks Americans fill each year would stretch halfway to the moon.
An estimated 15 billion trees in the world are cut down each year.
Energy can be made from renewable sources such as wind, water, sun and even elephant dung.
Less than 1% of the water on Earth can be used by humans as the rest is too salty or too difficult to access.
One reusable bag can take the place of 600 plastic bags.
Recycling one can of soda will save enough energy to power a tv for 3 hours.
(Source: National Geographic Kids)
We always love pairing activities and teachings with beautiful, thoughtful children’s books. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Children’s Books About Environmentalism, Animals, and More from GreenMatters
Books on the Environment Featuring A Might Girl from A Mighty Girl
The Best Children’s Books About the Environment for all ages from Pan Macmillian
42 of the Best Books for Celebrating Earth Day from We Are Teachers
Nature and Nurture: 8 Picture Books for Earth Day from The New York Times
Books for a Better Planet! 16 Earth-Friendly Reads for Kids from Brightly
Have fun this Earth Day and take care of the planet that takes care of you!
