Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22 to show support for environmental protection, and it’s a day worth celebrating! The first Earth Day in 1970 taught Americans about the environmental and health concerns that come with a polluted environment. The message is still relevant today, so it’s important for kids to learn about the Earth and spend time thinking about the environment around them.

Here are a few ways to celebrate Earth Day with your family, including some fun Earth Day activities for kids and ways to learn about sustainability.

 

Plant A Tree

Planting a tree is a direct way to take action to help the environment on Earth Day. Trees improve air quality, conserve energy, and create habitat for other plants and animals. Identify where there is space on your property for a tree, and determine what type of tree you’d like to plant. Research how big the tree will get and how wide its root system will go. Don’t plant it too close to the house or roots might prove troublesome with your pipes years down the road. The optimal distance from your home will depend on the type of tree you choose. Make sure you pick a tree that is native to your state or region so it’ll thrive better.

 

Hold A Neighborhood Cleanup

Organize your siblings or friends and do a neighborhood cleanup for Earth Day. Some supplies to have on hand include: gloves, a rake, a broom and dustpan, and trash bags. The gloves will help you keep your hands clean while picking up trash. Use the broom and dustpan to sweep your neighborhood sidewalks and sweep up smaller trash items. Pull weeds you find in the sidewalk cracks. 

 

Create A Recycling Plan

If your family doesn’t recycle, create a recycling plan and identify items that can be recycled rather than thrown away such as cans, milk jugs and cardboard. Research recycling in your area and figure out what it would cost for your family to start recycling. A little cost can go a long way to helping the planet. Other ways to recycle include donating gently used clothing or toys to a thrift store or shelter. Instead of purchasing items new, see if any friends or neighbors have an extra item they’d be willing to recycle by sharing with you.

 

Talk About Sustainability Practices

Spend time as a family talking about how to be more environmentally-friendly and sustainable. Talk about the three R’s: Reduce, reuse, recycle. Take a walk through your home and identify ways to be more energy efficient such as changing your light bulbs to compact fluorescent lights, using low-flow showerheads, and not leaving the water running while you’re brushing your teeth.

 

Watch A Nature Documentary

One great way to learn more about the environment is by watching a nature documentary. Check out the offerings available on the streaming platform you use. You’ll find documentaries about farming, animals, different places around the world and sustainability. Pick one that fits your interest and spend the day learning. 

 

Make Art To Honor Nature

Nature has so many great elements that can be used in art or that inspire art. Pick up leaves and make paint prints, weave a flower crown, or create pinecone bird feeders. If you prefer to draw or paint, take your art outside and paint a pretty view. Breathe in the fresh air on Earth Day and think of all the things in nature that make you smile.

 

 

Earth Day is an important day that reminds us to show support for environmental protection and gratitude for the planet we call home. Show us how you celebrate Earth Day with your family, by sending a video to the Campfire.