Earth Day: Activities to Get Kids Involved

Next year will mark the 40th year of our nation's celebration of Earth Day. Some children may not be so familiar with this tradition. After all it is not like the Halloween or Christmas holidays which bring us into new seasons and gatherings. But, it is the center of environmentalists concerned with making chances for our planet. In fact, it was activism which inspired Senator Gaylord Nelson to initiate the first teach/sit in in 1970. The interest carried on around the world, as all nations recognized April 22, the birthday of John Muir( the founder of the Sierra Club) as our Earth Day.

Some of the focus at Earth Day involves cleaning pollution, reserving energy, learning more about the environment and getting active with volunteer work towards a cause. Children too can be our helpers on these tasks. Teaching our next generation to recycle and how to " Go Green " is our responsibility. Making time for a project can be as easy as picking up junk cans around your neighborhood streets, and taking them to a recycling plant. This will also kick out a few coins, for your kids to value their effort of organized recycling. The new term green has meanings. Basically it just a new tense at conservatism, and activism on a smaller scale. Kids will like your conventionalism to explain this to them.

Changing our waste habits as a nation is a trend which has picked some slack in the last year. It was an Asian country which enacted the first laws about uses of plastic bags in grocery stores, over six months ago. mandatory purchase of a reusable bag will prevent unneeded clutter in throwing out of plastic. You too can start a new habit when shopping. One the kids will look onto and desire to be that same example later. Simply buy the cloth bags available at the checkout stand, and return each shopping trip with the bag. A very inexpensive cost, at $1-3.. is normal. Kids can even get one of their own. Hey, letting them draw with markers on the bag isn't a bad idea either.

Artwork and crafts for the kids will keep their imagination booming. At the EPA website, parents and students can learn about being SunWise. This may be already known material for the parents on keeping yourself and children away from sun damages of UV rays. A list of activities for learning these tips can fill up a few hours. Also a color poster contest is listed with a deadline to submit of April 19, 2009. Draw out the ideas learned form the SunWise turtle, and begin competing. The grand prize is a family trip to Disneyland! I know I would like a free trip to the Magic Kingdom! How about you?

I hope that however you spend this EarthDay, whether it be a day outside keeping out of the sun, or watching a special with celebrities and their efforts discussed, a fun adventure is added to your children's memory. Learning more about the environment and being active benefits others as well as our planet. I have included a list of internet sites which can provide additional resources and jump stat your planning for next month.
For more information about Earth Day; please go to these following sites:
www.EPA.gov
www.NOAA.gov
ww2.earthday.net
www.earthday.net