Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on 22 April to raise awareness and support for environmental protection and conservation. It was first celebrated in 1970 and has since become a global movement with events and activities organised in more than 193 countries.
The main aim of Earth Day is to encourage individuals, organisations, and governments to take action to protect the planet and preserve its natural resources for future generations. This may involve activities such as cleaning up litter, planting trees, promoting recycling and sustainability, advocating for policy changes, and supporting environmental education.
This year's theme, "Invest In Our Planet", calls for a collective effort to dedicate our time, resources, and energy towards addressing climate change and other critical environmental issues
There are loads of things we can do to get our children involved in Earth Day this year. It doesn't need to be expensive or complicated; no need to read the clean air act to your baby or make them write an essay on the endangered species act! Here are ten super easy ways to celebrate Earth Day:
Plant a Garden
Teach children the importance of nature and the environment by planting a garden with them. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking!
You can start small with simple plants like herbs, vegetables, or flowers they can care for and watch grow over time. My four-year-old is particularly loving growing beans this spring and enjoys watering them every day.
Conduct a Nature Treasure Hunt
Take children on a nature walk and create a treasure hunt to find different natural items such as leaves, rocks, flowers, and insects. Encourage them to observe and appreciate the beauty of the natural world around them.
You could make your own list of things to hunt or find a free online printable.
Create Recycled Crafts
Use recycled materials such as paper, cardboard, or plastic bottles to create art or craft projects with your kids. This not only encourages creativity but also teaches them about the importance of recycling and reducing waste.
Litter Pick
Organise a community clean-up event with children to pick up litter in a local park or beach.
This teaches them about the negative impact of litter on the environment and encourages them to take responsibility for their surroundings.
Both my sons love to litter pick in our local area - it keeps them busy and helps keep our community clean.
Have an Eco-friendly Picnic
If the weather allows this April, plan a picnic with eco-friendly food choices such as locally grown fruits and vegetables, reusable utensils, dishes and napkins. This helps children learn about sustainable food practices and can help reduce waste.
Make A Bird Feeder
Homemade birdfeeders don’t need to be complicated. Use simple materials like pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed to create bird feeders with children.
This activity teaches them about the importance of wildlife conservation and provides an opportunity to watch and observe the birds that visit your garden or outside space.
Watch Educational Videos
You could watch educational videos or documentaries with children that teach them about the environment, climate change, and ways to protect the planet. This is a cheap and easy way to teach them about topics from global warming to plastic pollution and renewable energy without having to fork out any money for it.
Be careful to read reviews, or watch the videos first before showing your little one, as some can be too graphic or complicated for small children.
My favourite is the new David Attenborough series on iPlayer. This often sparks discussions and inspires the boys to think more about our personal actions and attitudes toward the planet.
Read Books About the Environment
I love a good book, and there are so many great ones that focus on environmental themes and the importance of protecting the planet.
You can often get lift-the-flap books which make reading more enjoyable for little ones. These can be more age-appropriate for small children than some documentaries, and teaches environmental issues in an accessible way.
Go On A Bike Ride Or A Walk
Explore nature with children by going on a bike ride or a walk in a local park or nature reserve.
This not only promotes physical activity but also helps children appreciate the natural beauty of the world around them. Again, packing things like kid’s binoculars, a treasure hunt or an Earth Day themed checklist, and of course, a picnic makes the day even more fun!
Participate in Community Events
Check for local Earth Day events in your community - there may be local Facebook events too, and we often find activities are posted here.
Also, check out your local RSPB and Wildlife Trusts, as they often run local events focusing on nature and our environment.
There are so many ways to help the planet, big and small! But the best part about Earth Day is that it's a chance to come together with others and make a positive impact.
How will you celebrate this April? Please share with us your activities and events on social media. We can’t wait to see them!
