Things to do with the Kids to Celebrate Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day everyone!

Did you know the first Earth Day was held in 1970? That makes today the 53^rd anniversary of Earth Day & there is still so much we have to do! So, let’s talk about ways we can get our kids involved in Earth Day this year.

1. Get to Planting!

   Living in Texas means Spring is well on its way by the time Earth Day rolls around, which makes planting our favorite way to celebrate! Not only can you plant flowers to spruce up the landscaping, but you could try your hand at growing fruits and vegetables. Even if you don’t have a yard, tomatoes and bell peppers can easily be gown in a pot on a porch or balcony. Not only do homegrown tomatoes taste better, but it can be a great lesson for the kids that will give back to you through the summer. If you need something that can be grown on a windowsill, try some herbs.
   Lack of a green thumb or a place to plant stuff? You can donate instead! Just $1 can plant a tree with the Canopy Project, so be sure to check it out! 

2. Clean up a public beach or park!

   This one is really only for those of you with older children, but it is one that can have a huge impact on how your kids view things. Taking the kids out to clean up the trash that inevitably shows up where humans go may help them step back and think about what they can do to help keep trash from showing up where it shouldn’t be.
   If your kids are too young to safely pick up trash, try reading a book like Pesky Plastic: An Environmental Story with them.

3. Save Energy

   This one can help lower your electric bill just as much as it can help the environment. Challenge your kids to turn off lights and devices behind them, as well as unplug chargers that are not in use before they leave a room. You can even make a game out of it. My favorite reward is to take the kids (and myself) out for ice cream or some other special treat once a month when I don’t have to constantly turn things off behind them.

4. No-Plastic Challenge!

   Another fun way to celebrate is to challenge your kids to brainstorm ways you can cut down on the number of plastic items that come and go from your house. This can be as simple as using canvas totes instead of plastic grocery bags to something like switching to zero waste laundry detergent strips like these.

I could go on and on about ways you can get your kids involved on Earth Day, but I want to hear what your ideas are! So, comment below one way you plan to get your kids involved in helping the environment!