Earth Day Activities for the Family

Next week we will be celebrating Earth Day! In fact, April 22, 2015 is 45 years that we are celebrating the modern movement of environmental protection.  I thought I‘d put together some fun Earth Day activities and facts to help celebrate the national holiday.

Earth Day Facts

• On the first Earth Day in 1970, more than 20 million people participated!
• Congress authorized the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency by the end of that year.
• Although Earth Day originated in the United States, it went global in 1990 and by 2000, more than 180 countries participated.
• Some schools and communities celebrate Earth Day for a whole week to expand the time frame that people focus on the earth and how they can preserve it.

Earth Day Activities

• Gardening- Plant trees, herbs, or wild flowers with the family. Here is Recycled Can and Mason Jar Vases, the perfect container to plant flowers in. You can also make Recycled Plastic Bottle Planter Pots, plant a Kitchen Herb Garden, or plant a pretty amaryllis bulb. I have some tips for Gardening With Your Kids.
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Be sure to teach your kids everyday about recycling glass, paper, and plastic. Don’t forget to take your reusable bags to the grocery store!
• Get Crafty- Upcycled old things into something new! Here are some creative trash to treasure ideas:
  • Teacup Bird Feeder Repurposing Idea
  • How to Make a Recycled Magazine Frame
  • Macramé Mason Jar Hanging Lantern

• Clean up! Clean up! – Teach children about littering, walk around a park, beach, or neighborhood and clear it of litter.
• Get Educated- Take the kids to the local library and learn about recycling, climate change, pollution, or endangered species. Have a talk with your family about water conservation both inside and outside the house.

How will you celebrate Earth Day next week?