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Earth Day Activities for Families

Earth Day is an important day set aside to inspire appreciation for and awareness of the earth's environment. It is celebrated by people in different countries, all over the world, all sharing an appreciation of the planet and a dedication to protecting its natural resources. It is a time for people to come together to think about what we can do to preserve and protect the earth as well as to take action in small and large ways.

"We only have one earth, so we have to take care of her."
-Senator Gaylord Nelson

Although the first Earth Day took place 35 years ago in the United States, the global concern for the environment has steadily grown, especially in the face of increasing pollution and environmental threats. Recent studies have shown that today's children, however, are spending less and less time outdoors, which means they have less time to experience and appreciate nature firsthand.

Children will want to care for what is familiar. When they only see nature through a video screen, they do not form the same connection as digging in the dirt, rolling on the grass, or using sticks to search for insects. Earth Day is an ideal opportunity to connect children with the outdoors and the vibrant world around them.

As Earth Day approaches, your child may be involved in projects and activities that foster an awareness of and appreciation for the earth's resources. To extend the learning that takes place in your child's center or school and make caring for the earth part of your family culture, we encourage you to make time for some green activities every Earth Day.

Try reviewing your family practices to see if they are earth friendly: attend community events like farmer's markets, read books about the environment, spend time in the natural world together, and plan family activities that give children the message, "It's my world, I can and will take care of it."

Below are a few suggested family practices to make every day Earth Day:

Bike, walk, or use public transportation when possible instead of driving.

Turn off lights, TVs, and other electronic equipment, when not in use.

Turn off the water faucet after washing hands or while brushing teeth.

Reuse items as much as possible (e.g. wrap gifts in fabric scrap or recycled newspaper instead of gift wrap, pack lunches in reusable sacks and containers instead of paper or plastic).

Try "earth painting:" Finger paint with mud on sidewalks or paper or use non-toxic watercolors to paint river rocks. The water will wash the paint away.

Make pinecone birdfeeders: Cover a large pinecone with peanut butter and birdseed, hang outside your window, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the bird visitors as they feast.

Clean a community area: Take your children to their favorite park, woods, or even for a stroll around your neighborhood. Pick up all the litter you can find and see who can collect the biggest bag. Take the time to explain the effects litter has on our environment.

Virtually adopt an animal: Check with your local zoo or other nature-oriented organization, such as the Save the Manatee Club. Your child can look at pictures and read about his or her new "pet."

Create a Recycle, Reuse, Reduce collage: Use "trash" (paper scraps, labels, junk mail, and other found items) and glue to create a multimedia masterpiece.

Pick up a book and read with your children (have an outdoor reading session if the weather allows):

"You Are the Earth: Know the Planet So You Can Make It Better" by David Suzuki, Kathy Vanderlinden, and Diane Swanson (ages 9–12)

There are many individual or collective activities in which your family can engage that have a positive impact on the environment. It's important to keep in mind that every small act makes a world of difference.

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Bright Horizons Education Team

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