Earth Day may only come around once a year, but these practical (and simple) Earth Day activities are sure to help your family make a difference.
There has never been a time such as this to honor and give thanks to the planet we walk on. It’s time to get your hands a little dirty and play in the endless amount of soil that the Earth bestows.
The climate change clamor is sounding alarm bells. There’s only so much people can do, especially mothers who have their hands full. But what little things we can do, we should be doing them.
Honoring the planet with sustainable and conserving practices will represent a greener way of life for you and your children.
Here are 5 ways you can make a difference for Earth day.
1. Sport the Reusable Bags
If you haven’t already, it’s time to invest in some reusable bags, preferably the recycled and eco-friendly versions. A set of re-usable bags can help reduce plastic bag waste by up to 20,000 bags a year. That’s 20,000 less plastic bags sitting in some landfill wasteland or floating around in the ocean.
They come in many styles and designs so it’s fun to sport the look as well as the meaning. Allow yourself plenty of time to get in the groove of remembering your bags when you go shopping. You’ll certainly forget them but don’t give up. Once you get a rhythm going, you’ll remember to bring them to the store more often. You’ll also be making a difference and setting a positive environmental example.
Related: Make Shopping Fast & Painless with a Free Printable Grocery Shopping List
2. Recycled Toilet Paper
As the Little Gem Magnolia Trees prepare to blossom sultry lemon scented flowers, you should become aware about all the benefits of trees. Trees provide us with luxury; fresh air, shade, beauty, fruit, nuts, furniture, paper and yes…. toilet paper.
As we comfort ourselves with soft plush toilet paper, it’s important to understand how much deforestation is occurring for the American’s way of pampering. Next time you toilet paper shop, be on the look out for toilet paper that contains some recycled content.
The Honest Co., makes a very nice and quilted recycled toilet paper that’s not too shabby. If you feel your behind is a little too sensitive, then go ahead and get recycled toilet paper for the kids.
Related: 5 Things You Never Want to Run Out Of
3. Compost Your Food Waste
Don’t let your food go to waste by throwing it all in the trash bin. Some foods will be better off thrown out your window. Composting is one of the best sustainable practices for gardens and plant life. When you have organic scraps, feel free to throw them to the wind outside. There are many hungry, microscopic creatures looking for a nibble. After all, sharing is caring.
If you’re a gardner, than creating your own compost is the ultimate project for nurturing your flower beds and vegetable gardens. If you’re not the gardener than making an educated guess on what to chuck outside (so long as it’s biodegradable) is a great step to sustainability.
Related: How to Start Recycling
4. Grow Some Roots
This is the funnest and most special activity to do with your children. Planting is a good way to create a home with strong roots. If you have space for a tree, planting a tree will create everlasting memories and watching it grow will be sentimental for the whole family to experience.
Remember to plant flowers that are butterfly and bee friendly so you can have some awesome visitors in your yard!
Related: Organizing Your Backyard
5. Shut Off Those Lights
You many not realize but light pollution is getting so excessive that it’s causing problems linked to a declining ecological system as well as even human health. Let’s face it, natural light is the way to go.
Of course, lighting is essential for many circumstances but know the boundaries of when it’s too excessive (light trespass). When you lessen your artificial outdoor lighting, you open the night sky up for more star gazing. By spreading the word, you can raise awareness throughout communities so that neighborhood dwellers can enjoy the night sky, twinkling stars and maybe even a shooting star.
Related: Top 10 Devices That Are Draining Your Utility Budget
There’s so much we can do to appreciate the planet. Now is the time for each individual to take time out and find ways that will make a change and set an example for future generations.
About the Author:
Jen Altrogge is a wife, mother, and writer. You can find out more about her at her website.
How does your family celebrate Earth Day?
