Earth Day is coming up in about 1 week, on Monday, April 22nd. This is a great time to reflect on all that our Earth provides for us. It is also a good time to take a step back, slow down, and find some ways that your family can protect and care for the Earth. Here are some great ways to start.
1 – Pick up litter. As the snow melts and the spring winds blow through, the garbage begins to make its appearance. Spend 5, 10, even 30 minutes as a family picking up trash. You can do it on the way to the park. Even the little ones can help!
2 – Plant a tree (or a garden!)
3 – Do an earth-friendly craft. I found a couple of ideas here
4 – Make a pledge to replace one plastic disposable household item with something reusable or more sustainable. Straws, bags, and water bottles are easy swaps. I’m working on plastic packaging tape.
5 – Turn off the lights early and have a candlelight dinner, then read books before bed with an LED flashlight.
6 – Learn about a famous conservationist. A few of my favorites are Aldo Leopold, John Muir, and Gaylord Nelson (the founder of Earth Day). All coincidentally have roots in my state of Wisconsin!
7 – Become a citizen scientist for the day. You can help collect real data for scientists in your own community. Visit www.scistarter.com to find current projects. It could involve bird watching, taking pictures in nature, or some other awesome quest.
8 – Watch a movie or documentary about nature. My family loves the program, Nature, on PBS. For the little ones, rent The Lorax or go see Penguins, a Disneynature film in theaters April 17th (narrated by Ed Helms, one of my favorite actors from The Office!).
9 – Eat vegan for the day. Meat production is one of the largest contributors to green house gases as well as water and soil pollution.
10 – Just be in nature. Find a quiet place to sit and observe nature and take in the wonder of it all. Rain, shine, cold, warm. Whatever the climate is we can appreciate the beauty of the world.
What are you doing for Earth Day?
Jennifer 🙒
