babyminding

I believe that every day should be Earth Day in the sense that we should always be thinking of our impact and footprint on the environment in some way.  Afterall the earth sustains life and can’t be replaced, so it’s important to take care of it.   Today is a perfect time to start your new green resolutions.  Below are some ways to celebrate.  Feel free to share your own in a comment.

• Get Outside and Play – What better way to show appreciation for the Earth than to enjoy its wonders?  Take your kids out on a nature walk and discover all that mother nature has to offer.  Take binoculars or a camera and encourage your children to spot various items, scavenger hunt style.  It’s amazing the wonderment a simple  grasshopper can create for your children.  This is also a great way to encourage your child to appreciate nature and understand the importance of preserving it.
• Pick-up Litter – This activity is better suited for older children but young children can participate as “spotters”.  Go for a walk and pick up all the litter that you see.  And take the lesson further by sorting the trash and recycling what you can.
• Plant a Garden – We started our seasonal vegetable garden over the weekend.  The kids had so much fun digging in the dirt and are looking forward to harvest time.  It’s a great way to let your children know where healthy foods come from and reiterates the importance of preserving the earth so that nature’s abundance remains intact.
• Plan an Organic Feast of Whole Foods - Food processing takes it’s toll on the environment and our bodies.  Try creating a meal solely from whole foods (unprocessed in their natural form).
• Switch to Green Cleaning Supplies - Both my girls love to help me clean.  If I were using toxic conventional cleaners, I would never allow them to participate.  Since we use green cleaners, baking soda and vinegar, they are encouraged to do everything from spray windows, clean appliances and sweep the floor.  And even when they don’t participate, I’m left with the peace of mind that they won’t be exposed to a toxic residue.
• Sponsor an Environmental Cause - The threats are real.  Consider contributing to an environmental cause in honor of Earth Day.  Organizations such as World Wildlife Federation, National Wildlife Federation and even Healthy Child, Healthy World are great ways to make a difference!

I look forward to reading your ideas, please leave a comment!