Earth Day is nationally celebrated each year (April 22) by millions of people. The mission is to bring awareness to our environment, how we treat the Earth, and how to preserve and protect our planet. You can introduce Earth Day to your children at a young age by sharing some fun facts about Earth Day or simply talking about pollution, preservation, and recycling. If you are looking to bring awareness and education regarding Earth Day into your home, take a look at some of these fun facts and simple activities below:
Five fun facts about Earth Day:
- Each year, earth day is celebrated on the same day April 22.
- Some countries call it “International Mother Earth Day”.
- Earth Day led to the creation of the EPA (Environmental Protection Act).
- Earth Day has a theme song, and you can check it out here.
- The U.S. generates about 4.9 pounds of waste per person per day.
Pick up Trash
This Earth Day visit a local park or favorite playground and pick up trash. You can also simply take a look around your own yard and pick up the litter that has gathered over the winter. Last week, my daughters and I picked up trash in our yard and were amazed at how quickly we filled an entire bag. Invite some friends or neighbors to make this a fun and communal activity. Many hands make light work!
Upcycle Craft
There are plenty of ways you can recycle but creating “upcycled crafts” is one of my favorites. Find materials you can upcycle around your house (toilet paper rolls, plastic containers, cardboard, etc.) and pick one of these cute crafts.
- Egg Carton Caterpillar: cut the bottom portion of an egg carton in half, length wise. Turn it over and paint it green. Add eyes and pipe cleaners for “antennae.” Take this craft a step further and talk about the life cycle of a butterfly or caterpillar!
- Noise Makers: fill different containers (plastic of paper towel/toilet paper rolls) with beans or dried rice. Secure the top of your plastic container or the ends of the paper towel/toilet paper roll with tape or staples. Decorate with paint or loose parts and shake, shake, shake!
- Grocery Bag Stamping: Take an old paper grocery bag and cut it down one side. Remove the bottom rectangular portion. Lay your paper bag out flat. Using old sponges or cookie cutters to dip in paint and create stamping patterns. You could also paint or create stamps with nature items (leaves, flowers, sticks, etc.).
Visit a Recycling Center
Take some time to visit your local recycling center. The act of physically going to a recycling center is a hands-on way for children to participate in protecting and conserving our environment. You can even tour the MSU recycling center at the “MSU Earth Bash ’24” this year. This event is free and open to the public! Check it out here.
Make a Pledge
This Earth Day sit down with your children and make a pledge to do something positive for the Earth. Maybe this means turning off more lights or ditching plastic bags. Whatever it may be, write it down and say a pretend pledge with your child.
