Our planet is an amazing place, but it needs our commitment in order to thrive!
Earth Day, which is celebrated each year on April 22, is a good opportunity to teach our children their roles in preserving our environment and restoring the Earth.
This year's theme is "Invest in our Planet", and we thought we'd start you off with these five super fun challenges to do with your child!
Leave the Wheels at Home and Take a Walk!
If you normally take your vehicle to go to a local store, park, or grandma's house, try and do one trip on foot with your child for a change! Not only will the stroll open a bonding opportunity, but a choice to leave your wheels at home once in a while reduces carbon emission, one of the leading causes of global warming.
2. Prepare a Tasty Veggie Dinner!
According to a 2006 United Nations report, rearing livestock impacts global warming more than transportation. Not only will it encourage your little ones to eat their greens, but a vegetarian meal once a week also helps our planet!
Try this kid-friendly recipe here.
3. Fast Fashion Pollution Awareness: Repurpose and Recycle Day!
If you have a pre-teen, chances are they have started to pay more attention to their outfits, and the likelihood of them buying into the Fast Fashion industry is pretty high.
Fast Fashion (i.e., cheap clothes available at department stores but made with substandard material) while convenient, spells disaster for the planet. About 43,000 tons of is estimated to end up on the Atacama Desert each year. For this challenge, opt for sustainable clothing brands with your child on your next shopping spree! Also, take the time to repurpose and recycle overly worn or outgrown clothing from their closets!
4. Practice Water Conservation at Home.
Water may appear to be endlessly abundant, but the truth is, less than one percent of the water on Earth is potable. The rest is too salty or too difficult to access. This challenge asks for so little but has a big impact on our planet: maintain water conservation practices at home. For instance, did you know that turning off your faucet while you brush your teeth can save up to eight gallons of water a day?
5. Read an Earth Day Book Together!
The more we learn, the more conscious we become. For this challenge, read a book with your child for inspiration and awareness! Here are some of our favorites:
Butterfly for a King by Susan L. Roth
Thank You, Earth: A Love Letter to Our Planet by April Pulley Sayre
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference by Greta Thunberg