Earth Day is the perfect time to get your kids involved in saving the planet. This annual celebration is not just about having fun at local events—it is a day for participating in environmental education or interactive activities that will better the environment.
“This hands-on, minds-on show of support for the planet symbolizes a springboard for what hopefully becomes or already is a daily, year-round commitment by New Jersey residents to conserve natural resources—the air, water, land and habitats—and to protect these resources from waste and pollution. Our collective actions, every day, over time, make a difference,” says Tanya Oznowich, Environmental Education Supervisor with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).
Here are 12 ways kids and parents can help out on Earth Day and every day of the year:
[bibblio style=”bib–row-3 bib–hover bib–white-label bib–font-arial bib–default bib–size-16 bib–shine” query_string_params=”eyJ1dG1fc291cmNlIjoiQmliYmxpbyIsInV0bV9tZWRpdW0iOiJNb2R1bGUiLCJ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ24iOiJSZWNvbW1lbmRhdGlvbnMifQ==” recommendation_type=”optimised”]
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Kids can make a difference in reducing waste by starting a recycling program. At school, they can start by bringing a no-waste lunch packed in reusable containers. At home, children can set up a recycling center for paper, aluminum and plastic. Many containers can be re-purposed for arts and crafts projects too!
Conserve Water
Encourage your children to save water by reducing shower time and turning off the faucet while brushing their teeth. For a special project at home or in school, kids can build a rain barrel by turning a plain plastic barrel into a painted masterpiece. With the collected runoff, they can help to water flowers, gardens and even the lawn.
Plant a Tree
Help slow down climate change by planting a tree. Take the kids to a local garden center so they can help select the perfect tree for your yard, then help plant it once you get home. After the tree is firmly in the ground, enjoy story time with Dr. Seuss’ classic The Lorax, a reminder of what happens when we abuse the environment.
Save Electricity
An easy way for children to help at home is to save power. They can turn off the lights when they are not needed and make sure the refrigerator door is closed. Before bed, make sure all game consoles, televisions, computers and phones are turned off.
Get Out and Garden
Start a flower, vegetable or herb garden in your backyard this spring. Kids love to garden and dig in the dirt. Make sure they have child-friendly gardening tools, sun and insect protection, and garden boots. A handy chore chart can track the care of the garden. And maybe you’ll end up with some beautiful flowers or delicious vegetables!
Be a Green Leader
Assign duties to your kids to teach them to be stewards of the earth. One child can be responsible for packing reusable shopping bags for family stops to the grocery store, library or local farm market. When you plan a weekend adventure, another child can suggest ways that would reduce use of the family car. Public transportation, walking and bicycling are all good ways to reduce emissions.
Start a Compost Bin
Create a compost bin to reduce your household waste. Compost consists of three ingredients: dead plant material, household waste such as coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells and vegetable scraps, and a layer of soil. Once a week, the kids can help you add a bit of water and turn the bin. The end product can be used in their gardening projects.
Visit Public Lands
Teach kids to respect the planet by spending time in nature. New Jersey is home to many wonderful parks and nature centers. If you see trash during your visit, pick it up and put it in its proper place. Items such as balloons, bubble gum and six-pack rings can be a real hazard to wildlife.
Respect Wildlife
Children can learn to respect wildlife from a young age. Bugs, turtles and frogs shouldn’t be taken away from their habitats to be kept as pets. Instead, teach your kids to observe and release them. Don’t allow children to feed wild animals and if you see injured wildlife, report to a park ranger or local rescue center.
Volunteer Time
Sign up as a family to volunteer with local environmental groups. Kids can help organize clean-up projects at schools and neighborhood playgrounds. Tanya Oznowich, Environmental Education Supervisor with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), can match families with the perfect volunteer organization. Contact her directly by calling 609-984-9802 or emailing tanya.oznowich@dep.nj.gov.
Skip the Presents
Kids get invited to tons of birthday parties every year. Instead of spending money on gifts that are likely to be tossed away, make a donation to a non-profit. World Wildlife Fund offers a huge list of species to adopt–with your $55 donation, you receive a photo, plush toy, adoption certificate, species card and gift bag. Or help stop rainforest destruction with a donation to Rainforest Alliance.
Experience Earth Day
New Jersey offers numerous community festivals, fairs, walks, clean ups or other green events in celebration of Earth Day. These events are a great way to introduce your children to environmental causes through fun activities, hands-on workshops and educational presentations. Spend a fun day together and help the planet too!
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Sunny studio / Adobe Stock
Additional Images (in order) Courtesy:
Robert Hainer / Adobe Stock
Jandrie Lombard / Adobe Stock
Konstantin Yuganov / Adobe Stock
MNStudio / Adobe Stock
DLeonis / Adobe Stock
Mat Hayward / Adobe Stock
mdennah / Adobe Stock
WavebreakMediaMicro / Adobe Stock
Donald Bowers / Adobe Stock
Rafael Ben-Ari / Adobe Stock
birdiegal / Adobe Stock
drubig-photo / Adobe Stock