Earth Day – How you can help save the planet this year.

When is Earth Day? It's today – April 22, 2017 – and it is an occasion that is well worth paying attention to.

Our Earth is the only home that we have, so we must teach future generations to take care of it.

This year the Earth Day Network's campaign is all about environmental and climate literacy.

Translated, I think that means education. Teaching people about what we can do to protect the natural resources that we have.

So, how do we teach our children about taking care of the earth?

Earth Day Activities That Make Sense

At the risk of being somewhat controversial – I have seen many Earth Day activities around the web that don't seem very – well – Earth friendly, to me.

Instead of educating kids, some of what I see seems a little more celebratory and party like.

Really, I think that there are a lot of fun things that you can do with kids that are more common sense in nature.

Use Recyclables to Create These 3 Earth Day Crafts

It goes without saying that your recycling bin should be your go-to  source of craft supplies on Earth Day.

Make a Birdfeeder

You can make some really useful things with recyclables – like this birdfeeder made from a plastic jar.

Make a DIY Desk Organizer

Or, a really cute DIY desk organizer like this one by Amy at the ModPodgeRocksBlog.com.

 

Use Recyclable Glass Jars to Organize Your Kitchen

Get the kids involved in organizing your spices and decorating the lids of the jars.

Whatever you do …

Find Ways to Use the Things You Already Have

My point here is that on Earth Day of all days – use what you already have in your home to make crafts.

Make Sure to Reduce and Reuse Too

In keeping with the reduce, reuse, recycle theme – use the day as an opportunity to have a conversation with your kids about making better buying decisions.

I recently worked with Scott® Brand Products in their #TossTheTube campaign to spread the word about their Tube-Free toilet paper. Why buy toilet paper with a tube, if the tube is something that you don't really use? (Some might argue that toilet paper itself is unnecessary – but I don't think I am ready for that.)

Plant a Tree

Reforestation is also a goal of the Earth Day Network. Taking the time to plant a tree in your own backyard with your kids is a wonderful teachable moment.

You can watch it grow over the years and always have that memory to share.

Volunteer in the Community

After a long winter, there are many community organizations that need volunteers to help them clean their grounds, or remove trash and debris from local parks and common areas.

Check your local papers or call your local senior center or see if there are people or organizations in need.

Earth Day Can Be a Great Way For Your Family to Come Together

Use Earth Day as a teaching to tool to show your kids how they can better the planet and minimize their carbon footprint.

Find common sense Earth Day activities that really do serve that goal and that don't create even more waste in their wake.

What Do You Do On Earth Day?

Share how you plan to spend the day today.