Celebrate Earth Day
I can remember first celebrating Earth Day back in 1989. I was in the 4th grade and I had this amazing teacher who was really inspiring. Mrs. Moyle taught us that pollution was a problem, that we need to be kind to the earth and the importance of recycling.
I’m sure Mrs. Moyle had other great messages, but those are the ones I remember. She had us make Earth Day posters and march around the neighborhood around our school. It left an impression on me still to this day. I cringe when someone throws away an aluminum can and I try to stay up to date on the latest plague for our environment.
Environmental Manners
When my kids were babies, the obvious lessons were easy. Littering is bad and there is a different bin for recycling and trash. As they have grown up, we have instilled more and more important environmental manners. We teach them to turn off lights and to not waste water.
But as the world changes, I strongly believe that we will all have to continue to do more and more to help SAVE our Earth!
Free Earth Day Activities for Kids
Every year, Earth Day always surprises me and I’m never as prepared as I’d like to be. I love making family traditions for every holiday to build in some connection time. So for the other busy moms, here is a list of FREE activities to celebrate Earth Day with the kids. You can even still do them at the last minute.
1. Earth Day Family Meeting
Organize a quick family meeting to discuss any changes you can make together that could help the earth. Here are some quick ideas to help start the conversation.
- Dedicate a kitchen recycling bin
- Turn off lights when you leave
- Turn off faucet while brushing teeth
- Carpool and consolidate driving times
- Try meatless meals (meat industry accounts for 14% of greenhouse gases)
2. Watch a Documentary
There are SO many great shows that celebrate the earth and talk about its environmental struggles. Here are some great ones on Youtube that your kids will love.
3. Take a Walk or Bike Ride
I love taking a family stroll. You can also pump up the tires and take the fam on a fun bike ride around the neighborhood. Bring some trash bags and pick up some trash along the way.
4. Make an Art Project
Nothing makes me happier than getting crafty with the kids. If you’re like me, you probably already have hordes of art supplies lurking in your cabinets. Get the creative juices flowing and make a giant Earth as a family out of scrap paper, stickers, magazines, paint. If you have the supplies, try making a paper mache globe.
5. Plant a Seed
We all know plants are very beneficial to humans and the earth. You can easily plant seeds from fruits and veggies (and even trees) you already have at home.
Recommended Products
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy from one of these links, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll get a small commission, which helps keep the lights on! Thanks for your support! (As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.)
Here are some other great ideas that aren’t free, but could help SAVE our planet.
Reusable Grocery Bags – Great quantity for the price and durable
Metal Water Bottle for Kids – These REALLY keep water cold and are just the right size for backpacks
Chemical-Free Body Wash with Turmeric This is my FAVORITE new body soap that smells amazing and is good for the planet.
Rubber Plant – Easy care and great for cleaning the air in your home.
Tell us in the comments what traditions you have for Earth Day. How do you celebrate?
Share this post with someone else who loves the environment and could use a little inspiration.
What great ideas! I live in Oregon, and there’s a beach cleanup day at this time every year. I volunteer with my family for Earth Day!
That is a great activity, Tamara! My kids would love a beach clean up day! I will have to look for one here in Florida!